Evolutionary Dynamics of Complex Communications Networks

Until recently, most network design techniques employed a bottom-up approach with lower protocol layer mechanisms affecting the development of higher ones. This approach, however, has not yielded fascinating results in the case of wireless distributed networks.

Addressing the emerging aspects of modern network analysis and design, Evolutionary Dynamics of Complex Communications Networks introduces and develops a top-bottom approach where elements of the higher layer can be exploited in modifying the lowest physical topology?closing the network design loop in an evolutionary fashion similar to that observed in natural processes.

This book provides a complete overview of contemporary design approaches from the viewpoint of network science and complex/social network analysis. A significant part of the text focuses on the classification and analysis of various network modification mechanisms for wireless decentralized networks that exploit social features from relevant online social networks.

Each chapter begins with learning objectives and introductory material and slowly builds to more detailed analysis and advanced concepts. Each chapter also identifies open issues, while by the end of the book, potential research directions are summarized for the more interested researcher or graduate student.

The approach outlined in the book will help network designers and administrators increase the value of their infrastructure without requiring any significant additional investment. Topics covered include: basic network graph models and properties, cognitive methods and evolutionary computing, complex and social network analysis metrics and features, and analysis and development of the distinctive structure and features of complex networks.

Considering all aspects of modern network analysis and design, the text covers the necessary material and background to make it a suitable source of reference for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and scientists

Introduction. Basic Network Graph Models and Properties. Cognitive Methods and Evolutionary Computing. Complex and Social Network Analysis Metrics and Features. Distinctive Structure and Features of Complex Networks. Evolutionary Approaches. Commencement. Appendices: Geometric Probability. Semirings and Path Problems.

Vasileios Karyotis was born in Athens, Greece, in November 1980. He receivedhis Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Greece, in 2004, his M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, U.S.A., in 2005 andhis Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from NTUA, Greece, in 2009. Since 2009 he has been with the Network Management and Optimal Design (NETMODE) Lab of NTUA, Greece, where he is currently a senior researcher. His research interests span the areas of stochastic modeling and performance evaluation of communications networks, resource allocations, malware propagation and complex networks. Dr. Karyotis was awarded a fellowship from the Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering of the University of Pennsylvania (2004-2005) and one of two departmental fellowships for exceptional graduate students from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering of NTUA (2007-2009). He has participated in the technical program committee of ICC and Globecom conferences since 2008 and 2008 respectively, and other conferences as well. He has acted as a reviewer for numerous journals and conferences IEEE, ACM, ICST, etc., such as the IEEE Trans. on Parallel and Distributed Systems, IEEE Trans. on Vehicular Technology, IEEE Trans. on Wireless Communications and IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications. He is a member of the Technical Chamber of Greece since 2004, and a Member of the IEEE since 2003.

Eleni Stai was born in Athens, Greece, in July 1986. She received her Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, in 2009. She receivedher Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Athens in 2013. Currently, she is a Ph.D. student in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a research assistant in the Network Managemen