An Efficient Minimum Spanning Tree Algorithm

Finding minimum spanning trees (MST) in various types of networks is a well-studied problem in theory and practical applications. A number of efficient algorithms have been already developed for this problem. In this paper we present an efficient algorithm, namely Edge Pruned Minimum Spanning Tree (EPMST) algorithm, which combines ideas from randomized selection, Kruskal's algorithm and Prim's algorithm. The algorithm has a superior performance relative to the best-known algorithms especially when the graph is not very sparse. Specifically, EPMST outperforms a recently devised efficient algorithm on a wide range of input graphs.