Theoretical aspects in the analysis and synthesis of packet communication networks

With the intention of outlining some of the theoretical studies on the design of packet communication networks the present paper introduces the models and the basic relations underlying the analysis as well as the method for evaluating packet delay. Then the multicommodity flow problem as applied to the route assignment is described with particular reference to static and quasi-static routing schemes. Following this topological design methods are described in terms of capacity assignment, flow assignment, capacity and flow assignment, and topology, capacity and flow assignment. Theoritical studies on such factors as flow control and error control that affect the network throughput are also outlined together with the theoretical aspects on packet radio, satellite, and radio systems.