Network Optimization with Dynamic Demands and Link Prices

Abstract

We present Overlapping Cluster Decomposition (OCD), a novel distributed algorithm for network optimization targeted for networks with dynamic demands and link prices. OCD uses a dual decomposition of the global problem into local optimization problems in each node’s neighborhood. The local solutions are then reconciled to find the global optimal solution. While OCD is a descent method and thus may converge slowly in a static network, we show that OCD can more rapidly adapt to changing network conditions than previously proposed first-order and Newton-like network optimization algorithms. Therefore, OCD yields better solutions over time than previously proposed methods at a comparable communication cost.