On the edge capacitated Steiner tree problem

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the complexity and approximability of the edge capacitated Steiner tree problem, providing a complete classification of tractable and hard cases based on various parameters, and relating it to classical problems.

Contribution

It offers a comprehensive complexity characterization of the problem across different parameter combinations, resolving most cases and linking it to longstanding open problems.

Findings

Most parameter combinations are classified as tractable or hard.

The only unresolved case is equivalent to a long-standing open problem.

Connections established with classical Steiner tree and vertex-disjoint paths problems.

Abstract

Given a graph G = (V,E) with a root r in V, positive capacities {c(e)|e in E}, and non-negative lengths {l(e)|e in E}, the minimum-length (rooted) edge capacitated Steiner tree problem is to find a tree in G of minimum total length, rooted at r, spanning a given subset T of vertices, and such that, for each e in E, there are at most c(e) paths, linking r to vertices in T, that contain e. We study the complexity and approximability of the problem, considering several relevant parameters such as the number of terminals, the edge lengths and the minimum and maximum edge capacities. For all but one combinations of assumptions regarding these parameters, we settle the question, giving a complete characterization that separates tractable cases from hard ones. The only remaining open case is proved to be equivalent to a long-standing open problem. We also prove close relations between our problem and classical Steiner tree as well as vertex-disjoint paths problems.