Assigning cells to switches in cellular mobile networks using hybridizing API algorithm and Tabu Search

Cells assignment to switches plays an important role in the area of resource management in cellular network. Efficient homing of cells to switches can have a significant impact on handoff and cabling costs. This problem is an NP‐hard problem, which cannot be solved by conventional optimization algorithms. It is therefore necessary to use metaheuristic methods to solve it. This research proposes a hybrid heuristic approach for further improving the quality of solutions. This approach applies API ant algorithm in combination with one of the best heuristics used to solve this problem: Tabu Search. A key element in the success of this hybrid approach is the use simultaneously an intensified research on several areas of research space. The implementation of these algorithms has been subject to extensive tests. In comparison with previous research, the proposed method is efficient, regarding quality of solutions provided for moderate‐sized and large‐sized cellular mobile networks. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.