Network Connections

Another network design consideration concerns how to control the network’s connections. Qnet implements a connection editor that allows connections to be removed from the fully connected default configuration. This allows logic flow to be introduced to the network. Input information can be channeled and processed in a localized area of the network. “Pass-through” nodes can be constructed that receive only one input connection from the preceding layer and pass that information down to the next layer. This has the effect of creating connections that skip a layer. While the connection editor gives the modeler almost unlimited flexibility in designing a network, the fact is that the vast majority of designs work best fully connected. Qnet’s connection editor is best suited for highly advanced models that require groups of input data to be processed through separate network pathways.

Connections are set in the Training Setup/Network Design dialog.