Topology design of distributed local area networks (DLANs) can be classified as an NP-hard problem. Intelligent algorithms, such as evolutionary and swarm intelligence techniques, are candidate approaches to address this problem and to produce desirable solutions. DLAN topology design consists of several conflicting objectives such as minimization of cost, minimization of network delay, minimization of the number of hops between two nodes, and maximization of reliability. It is possible to combine these objectives in a single-objective function, provided that the trade-offs among these objectives are adhered to. This thesis proposes a strategy and a new aggregation operator based on fuzzy logic to combine the four objectives in a single-objective function. The thesis also investigates the use of a number of evolutionary algorithms such as stochastic evolution, simulated evolution, and simulated annealing. A number of hybrid variants of the above algorithms are also proposed. Furthermore, the applicability of swarm intelligence techniques such as ant colony optimization and particle swarm optimization to topology design has been investigated. All proposed techniques have been evaluated empirically with respect to their algorithm parameters. Results suggest that simulated annealing produced the best results among all proposed algorithms. In addition, the hybrid variants of simulated annealing, simulated evolution, and stochastic evolution generated better results than their respective basic algorithms. Moreover, a comparison of ant colony optimization and particle swarm optimization shows that the latter generated better results than the former. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Computer Science / unrestricted