This article develops state-space partition methods for computing performance measures for stochastic networks with demands between multiple pairs of nodes. The chief concern is the evaluation of the probability that there exist separate, noninteracting flows that satisfy all demands. This relates to the multiterminal maximum flow problem discussed in the classic article of Gomory and Hu. The network arcs are assumed to have independent, discrete random capacities. We refer to the probability that all demands can be satisfied as the network reliability (with the understanding that its definition is application dependent). In addition, we also consider the calculation of secondary measures, such as the probability that a particular subset of demands can be met, and the probability that a particular arc lies on a minimum cut. The evaluation of each of these probabilities is shown to be NP-hard. The proposed methods are based on an iterative partition of the system state space, with each iteration tightening the bounds on the measure of interest. This last property allows the design of increasingly efficient Monte Carlo sampling plans that yield substantially more precise estimators than the standard Monte Carlo method that draws samples from the original capacity distribution.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.