In this talk we will present a set of analytical and software tools and techniques developed for the assessment and optimization of large networks. Namely, we will refer to the Multi-Objective Network OPtimization and Assessment Tool (MONOPATI), Network Design and Analysis Tool (NEDAT) and INTELiCON (Inteligent Connectivity) tools and techniques. These tools and techniques are mainly based on general stochastic approximation methods (e.g. Simulated Annealing), linear programming and greedy heuristics that have been designed appropriately, so that they are scalable, robust and optimal for the networks and functions of interest.
The networks of interest involve communication, social and integrated networks and the tools and techniques aim on network and domain autoconfiguration, topology control, routing, mobility management and security (e.g. intrusion detection and key management). Special focus will be given on network and domain configuration, power and delay efficient topology control, QoS unicast routing, QoS multicast routing and multipath routing for bandwidth aggregation and robustness.
Furthermore, the extensions of these tools and techniques to cross-layer and cross-network (social and communication) analysis, optimization and design will be presented. These extensions involve the formation and approximate solution of NP-hard multi-objective optimization problems. Lastly, some of the most indicative practical applications of these tools and techniques will be overviewed.