The dynamics of deterministic data networks

J.H.B. Deane, D.J. Jefferies and C. Smythe

Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering,
University of Surrey,
Guildford GU2 5XH,
United Kingdom

Department of Computer Science,
University of Sheffield,
Regent Court, Sheffield S1 4DP,
United Kingdom

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
• About this document ...