A branch-and-cut algorithm for capacitated network design problems

01 September 1999

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We present a branch-and-cut algorithm to solve capacitated network design problems. Given a capacitated network and point-to-point traffic demands, the objective is to install more capacity on the edges of the network and route traffic simultaneously, so that the overall cost is minimized. We study a mixed-integer programming formulation of the problem and identify some new facet defining inequalities. These inequalities, together with other known combinatorial and mixed-integer rounding inequalities. are used as cutting planer. To choose the branching variable, we use a new rule called ``knapsack branching{''}. We also report on our computational experience using real-lift data.