Combinatorial Optimization in Telecommunications

Combinatorial optimization problems are abundant in the telecommunications industry. In this paper, we present four real-world telecommunications applications where combinatorial optimization plays a major role. The first problem concerns the optimal location of modem pools for an internet service provider. The second problem deals with the optimal routing of permanent virtual circuits for a frame relay service. In the third problem, one seeks to optimally design a SONET ring network. The last problem comes up when planning a global telecommunications network.