Hybrid genetic algorithm for network topology design

This paper presents a hybrid approach of genetic algorithm and heuristic algorithm for the backbone network design of communication networks. The backbone network design problem is defined as finding the network topology minimizing the design cost of a network under R-edge-connectivity and hops-constraint considerations. The crossover and mutation operators will produce infeasible solution, and infeasible solution becomes feasible by adding links. The offspring has higher cost than parents when adding links, and there will have redundant links. In the hybrid approach, heuristic strategy is added in genetic algorithm, it can delete redundant links to reduce the cost of the offspring that accelerates the course of algorithm. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the method.