Optimization of Computer Networks

Preface

Computer and communication networks have evolved into more and more complex structures of heterogeneous technologies with multiple interactions between different protocols and layers. From a didactic point of view, it is challenging to show newcomers how things are, and more importantly, why they are like that.

This is the task I faced in 2011 when starting the preparation of two basic courses in network theory fundamentals at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena in Spain for second and third year students doing telecommunications engineering degrees. My wish list included three musts: keep it simple, provide technology-agnostic fundamentals enriched with application examples, and make it practical.

Keep it Simple

There is added value in simplicity per se. In this case, it was also a constraint given the still incipient mathematical skills of the undergraduate students targeted. In plain words, there was no room to cover the different mathematical disciplines traditionally used in network courses, mainly queuing theory, control theory, and game theory for analysis of network protocols and the network as a distributed dynamic system, and optimization for static provisioning and dimensioning.

Within this less is more philosophy, I got convinced that optimization was the most convenient choice for a sort of didactic theory to rule them all¹:

• Optimization is a popular approach in network provisioning and dimensioning problems, and fits well when the network is seen as ...