Network Algorithmics

Introduction

“Come, Watson, come!” he cried. “The game is afoot!”

—ARTHUR CONAN DOYLE IN The Abbey Grange

The first part of this book deals with specifying the rules of the network algorithmics game. We start with a quick introduction where we define network algorithmics and contrast it to algorithm design. Next, we present models of protocols, operating systems, processor architecture, and hardware design; these are the key disciplines used in the rest of the book. Then we present a set of 15 principles abstracted from the specific techniques presented later in the book. Part I ends with a set of sample problems together with solutions obtained using the principles. Implementors pressed for time should skim the Quick Reference Guides directly following ...