REDUNDANCY IN A SEPARATION-NETWORK

Separation-network synthesis (SNS) is carried out by a heuristic, algo rithmic or combined method. For any separation-network, the algorithmi c method may yield the optimal structure provided that a valid mathema tical model of the network structure is available. In general, a mathe matical model of the network structure is constructed by imposing cons traints on some structural properties of optimal separation-networks, e.g., exclusion of redundant separations. The fundamental structural p roperties of separation-networks have been explored in the current wor k. The validity of the mathematical model, specifically with respect t o redundancy, has been systematically studied. It is unequivocally dem onstrated that redundant separators may be contained in an optimal sep aration-network under certain circumstances. Two definite classes of p roblems of separation-network synthesis have been parametrically studi ed extensively for illustration.