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On a Routing Problem

Authors: Richard Bellman

Published: 1958 (Journal Paper)

Source: Quarterly of Applied Mathematics

Algorithm: Bellman-Ford

DOI: 10.1090/qam/102435

Summary

Introduces the Bellman-Ford shortest-path algorithm using dynamic programming, handling graphs with negative-weight edges and detecting negative cycles. Foundational to modern network routing and graph search.

Abstract

This paper is devoted to the discussion of the determination of an optimal path between two cities in a network of roads where the travel time depends upon the road and possibly the time of departure and the direction of travel.

Tags

  • Shortest path

  • Graph search

  • Dynamic programming

  • Bellman-Ford algorithm

  • Network routing