The dynamics of deterministic data networks

Abstract:

The work described here is concerned with the complex dynamics of a discrete, deterministic, spatially-extended system, which is a model for data communication between remote sites. We define the system, describe its dynamical variables and draw parallels between the behaviour it exhibits and chaotic behaviour exhibited by continuous systems.

• Introduction
• Description of the data transfer network
• States and state variables
• Average-age behaviour
• Attractors
  • `Traditional' attractors
  • `Probabilistic' attractors
• Sensitive dependence on initial conditions
• Conclusions
• References
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