A generic model for advanced networks handling imprecise information

The previously separate fields of computing and communications are converging rapidly. Besides, the intelligence aspects necessitate the integration of formerly separate various processing modes. The emerging intelligent network aims to provide advanced services, extending well beyond the traditional voice, data transfer and computing services, handling intelligence aspects of possibly imprecise and inconsistent information as well. These services are offered on dynamically varying network structures and processing nodes for arbitrary number of users in a transparent way. The widely used design models are based on separate problem classes, thus their extension to these problems is very difficult, if possible at all. A generic model for the clarification of the issues involved and determining the theoretical limitations is investigated, thus forming a starting point for various design models with precisely known limitations.