Network Reliability and Algebraic Structures

Networks of computer systems, distribution systems and telecommunications systems play an increasingly important role in our lives. This book is concerned with analyzing and assessing the reliability of such networks whose components are prone to possible failure. The field of network reliability has expanded rapidly to provide various mathematical models and computational procedures. Shier's new book identifies a number of algebraic structures that serve to unify the study of networks, and suggests new techniques and procedures for analyzing the probabilistic behavior of networks. Lattice structures, pseudopolynomial algorithms, and stochastic path problems are among the topics examined in this important account. This is a timely resource for mathematicians, computer scientists and reliability engineers.

'Inexpensive booklets like these are worht their weight in gold. One can quickly acquire an overview of the subject and despite the multitude of aspects, it is presented in a clear manner. Recommended.' Mededelingen van het wiskundig genootschap, nr.8 - november 1993 'The book is very readable.' D.H. Smith, London Mathematical Society 'Theoretical explanations in this book are very well-written, and even the basic notions of partial orders and graph theory are introduced ... this concise monograph will be very useful to researchers and graduate students in applied probability, computer science, and operations research, and as well to engineers faced with network reliability problems.' J. Kamburowski, Zentralblatt fur Mathematik und ihre Grenzgebiete, Band 72, 9/92