Travelling Salesman Problem: Parallel Implementations & Analysis

Abstract: The Traveling Salesman Problem (often called TSP) is a classic algorithmic problem in the field of computer science and operations research. It is an NP-Hard problem focused on optimization. TSP has several applications even in its purest formulation, such as planning, logistics, and the manufacture of microchips; and can be slightly modified to appear as a sub-problem in many areas, such as DNA sequencing. In this paper, a study on parallelization of the Brute Force approach (under several paradigms) of the Travelling Salesman Problem is presented. Detailed timing studies for the serial and various parallel implementations of the Travelling Salesman Problem have also been illustrated.