Routing is the process of selecting paths in a network along which to send network traffic. Routing is performed for many kinds of networks, including the telephone network (circuit switching), electronic data networks (such as the internet), and transportation networks. This chapter focuses on the role of routing in transportation networks.
Transport Networks
A transport network, (or transportation network in American English), is typically a network of roads, streets, pipes, aqueducts, power lines, or nearly any structure which permits either vehicular movement or flow of some commodity. Transport engineers use mathematical graph theory to analyze a transport network to determine the flow of vehicles (or people) through it. A transport network may combine different modes of transport.
Tactical Level
At the tactical level of supply chain activities, the transportation strategy of goods must be considered. This includes frequency, routes, and contracting of goods. A goal of a company when transporting goods is to ensure efficiency. Wear and tear of vehicles and the cost of gas can make some routes more expensive than others. In order to reduce costs, companies often look for ways to streamline routes and supply chain activities. GPS, or global positioning system, is a technological advancement that has helped companies determine which routes are the most expensive to maintain. These routes can be analyzed to determine if they can be eliminated, divided, and/or merged with other routes, or if finding a new route can help make the route more efficient. Sometimes transport is subcontracted to specialists or logistics partners.
Anycast Routing
A visual display of Anycast routing.