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Network Flow Algorithm

Network flow is a mathematical model for the movement of items through a network, used in optimization problems. Key algorithms include Ford-Fulkerson, Edmonds-Karp, and Dinic’s, each with varying efficiencies for computing maximum flow. Applications span across internet traffic routing, bipartite matching, and water distribution networks.

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46 views9 pages

Network Flow Algorithm

Network flow is a mathematical model for the movement of items through a network, used in optimization problems. Key algorithms include Ford-Fulkerson, Edmonds-Karp, and Dinic’s, each with varying efficiencies for computing maximum flow. Applications span across internet traffic routing, bipartite matching, and water distribution networks.

Uploaded by

wareg74151
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Network Flow Algorithm

Understanding Network Flow and Its Algorithms


[MRINMAY MANDAL] | [ECE] | [24/02/2025]
[CALCUTTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY]
Introduction to Network Flow

• Network flow is a mathematical model representing the movement


of items through a network, such as traffic, data, or fluids. It is widely
used in optimization problems.
Basic Terminology

• - Graph: A set of nodes (vertices) connected by edges.


• - Flow: Amount passing through an edge.
• - Capacity: Maximum possible flow on an edge.
• - Source: Starting node of the flow.
• - Sink: Ending node of the flow.
Types of Network Flow Problems

• - Maximum Flow: Find the max possible flow from source to sink.
• - Minimum Cut: Find the minimum edges to remove to disconnect
source from sink.
• - Bipartite Matching: Find the best way to pair nodes from two sets.
• - Circulation with Demands: Flow must meet specific demands at
nodes.
Ford-Fulkerson Algorithm

• - An algorithm to compute maximum flow in a network.


• - Uses augmenting paths to increase flow iteratively.
• - Can be implemented using DFS or BFS.
• - Time Complexity: O(E * max_flow).
Edmonds-Karp Algorithm

• - A BFS-based implementation of Ford-Fulkerson.


• - Ensures shortest augmenting paths are used first.
• - Time Complexity: O(VE^2).
Dinic’s Algorithm

• - A more efficient algorithm for computing max flow.


• - Uses BFS to construct level graphs.
• - Uses DFS to push flow along level graph.
• - Time Complexity: O(V^2E).
Applications of Network Flow

• - Internet Traffic Routing.


• - Maximum Bipartite Matching.
• - Airline Scheduling.
• - Water Distribution Networks.
• - Image Segmentation in Computer Vision.
Conclusion

• Network flow algorithms are fundamental in optimization and have a


wide range of applications. Ford-Fulkerson, Edmonds-Karp, and
Dinic’s algorithms are commonly used for solving maximum flow
problems.

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