network routing

industrial engineering

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Network routing is a core concept within industrial engineering and operations research. It involves finding the most efficient path between points, known as nodes, connected by lines called links. These links represent travel time, cost, or distance, and the goal is to determine an optimal route between two or more nodes while considering various constraints.

This is commonly applied in communication and transportation systems. A classic example is the "traveling salesman problem," which seeks the shortest route visiting each node once and returning to the origin. This principle is also used in manufacturing for job processing orders to minimize setup costs. Network routing problems are often solved using mathematical and computer modeling to manage complex systems efficiently.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

5 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

operations research
Network routing
A network may be defined by a set of points, or “nodes,” that are connected by lines, or “links.” A way of going from one node (the “origin”) to another (the “destination”) is called a “route” or “path.” Links, which may be one-way…
Read More
A network may be defined by a set of points, or “nodes,” that are connected by lines, or “links.” A way of going from one node (the “origin”) to another (the “destination”) is called a “route” or “path.” Links, which may be one-way…
Read More