Distributed Algorithms

Preface

Distributed algorithms are algorithms designed to run on hardware consisting of many interconnected processors. Pieces of a distributed algorithm run concurrently and independently, each with only a limited amount of information. The algorithms are supposed to work correctly, even if the individual processors and communication channels operate at different speeds and even if some of the components fail.

Distributed algorithms arise in a wide range of applications, including telecommunications, distributed information processing, scientific computing, and realtime process control. For example, today’s telephone systems, airline reservation systems, banking systems, global information systems, weather prediction systems, and aircraft ...