Knowledge-based Design of Leased-Line Networks

This paper presents a knowledge-based approach to the design of leased line networks. The tool OPTOLL assists in the optimization of networks by applying in a successive way a number of rules based on heuristics. The optimization so far is driven by the costs of the network, but other optimization criteria can be implemented in an easy way by modifying the knowledge base. The optimization starts with an initial configuration consisting of a primitive solution for the network: point to point lines with no routing. Starting from this the tool applies so called Expansion and Contraction operations according to heuristics like prevention of long lines or search for backbone lines. The approach is demonstrated by an example where the overall network costs are reduced considerably with respect to the primitive solution. CR