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.