The Network Solver

Overview: Network Solver

The network solver includes a number of graph theory, combinatorial optimization, and network analysis algorithms. The algorithm classes are listed in Table 9.1.

Table 9.1: Algorithm Classes in the Network solver


You can use the network solver to analyze relationships between entities. These relationships are typically defined by using a graph. A graph, $G = (N,A)$, is defined over a set N of nodes, and a set A of links. A node is an abstract representation of some entity (or object), and an arc defines some relationship (or connection) between two nodes. The terms node and vertex are often interchanged in describing an entity. The term arc is often interchanged with the term edge or link in describing a relationship.

Unlike other solvers that PROC OPTMODEL uses, the network solver operates directly on arrays and sets. You do not need to explicitly define variables, constraints, and objectives to use the network solver. PROC OPTMODEL declares the appropriate objects internally as needed. You specify the names of arrays and sets that define your inputs and outputs as options in the SOLVE WITH NETWORK statement.