To date, most network research contains one or more of five major problems. First, it tends to be atheoretical, ignoring the various social theories that contain network implications. Second, it explores single levels of analysis rather than the multiple levels out of which most networks are comprised. Third, network analysis has employed very little the insights from contemporary complex systems analysis and computer simulations. Foruth, it typically uses descriptive rather than inferential statistics, thus robbing it of the ability to make claims about the larger universe of networks. Finally, almost all the research is static and cross-sectional rather than dynamic. Theories of Communication Networks presents solutions to all five problems. The authors develop a multitheoretical model that relates different social science theories with different network properties. This model is multilevel, providing a network decomposition that applies the various social theories to all network levels: individuals, dyads, triples, groups, and the entire network. The book then establishes a model from the perspective of complex adaptive systems and demonstrates how to use Blanche, an agent-based network computer simulation environment, to generate and test network theories and hypotheses. It presents recent developments in network statistical analysis, the p* family, which provides a basis for valid multilevel statistical inferences regarding networks. Finally, it shows how to relate communication networks to other networks, thus providing the basis in conjunction with computer simulations to study the emergence of dynamic organizational networks.

To date, most network research contains one or more of five major problems. First, it tends to be atheoretical, ignoring the various social theories that contain network implications. Second, it explores single levels of analysis rather than the multiple levels out of which most networks are comprised. Third, network analysis has employed very little the insights from contemporary complex systems analysis and computer simulations. Foruth, it typically uses descriptive rather than inferential statistics, thus robbing it of the ability to make claims about the larger universe of networks. Finally, almost all the research is static and cross-sectional rather than dynamic. Theories of Communication Networks presents solutions to all five problems. The authors develop a multitheoretical model that relates different social science theories with different network properties. This model is multilevel, providing a network decomposition that applies the various social theories to all network levels: individuals, dyads, triples, groups, and the entire network. The book then establishes a model from the perspective of complex adaptive systems and demonstrates how to use Blanche, an agent-based network computer simulation environment, to generate and test network theories and hypotheses. It presents recent developments in network statistical analysis, the p* family, which provides a basis for valid multilevel statistical inferences regarding networks. Finally, it shows how to relate communication networks to other networks, thus providing the basis in conjunction with computer simulations to study the emergence of dynamic organizational networks.

In this text, the authors develop a multitheoretical model that relates different social science theories with different network properties. This model is multilevel, providing a network decomposition that applies the various social theories to all network levels.

A modern mathematical approach to the design of communication networks for graduate students, blending control, optimization, and stochastic network theories alongside a broad range of performance analysis tools. Practical applications are illustrated by making connections to network algorithms and protocols. End-of-chapter problems covering a range of difficulties support student learning.

Addressing the fundamental technologies and theories associated with designing complex communications systems and networks, Principles of Communications Networks and Systems provides models and analytical methods for evaluating their performance. Including both the physical layer (digital transmission and modulation) and networking topics, the quality of service concepts belonging to the different layers of the protocol stack are interrelated to form a comprehensive picture. The book is designed to present the material in an accessible but rigorous manner. It jointly addresses networking and transmission aspects following a unified approach and using a bottom up style of presentation, starting from requirements on transmission links all the way up to the corresponding quality of service at network and application layers. The focus is on presenting the material in an integrated and systematic fashion so that students will have a clear view of all the principal aspects and of how they interconnect with each other. A comprehensive introduction to communications systems and networks, addressing both network and transmission topics Structured for effective learning, with basic principles and technologies being introduced before more advanced ones are explained Features examples of existing systems and recent standards as well as advanced digital modulation techniques such as CDMA and OFDM Contains tools to help the reader in the design and performance analysis of modern communications systems Provides problems at the end of each chapter, with answers on an accompanying website

A unified treatment of the latest game theoretic approaches for designing, modeling, and optimizing emerging wireless communication networks. Covering theory, analytical tools, and applications, it is ideal for researchers and graduate students in academia and industry designing efficient, scalable and robust protocols for future wireless networks.

`This is a very clear and concise summary of media studies, present and future. There is no other book that can both be used as a teaching tool and can help scholars organize their thinking about new media as this book can' - Steve Jones, University of Chicago This book offers an introduction to communication theory that is appropriate to our post-broadcast, interactive, media environment. The author contrasts the `first media age' of broadcast with the `second media age' of interactivity. Communication Theory argues that the different kinds of communication dynamics found in cyberspace demand a reassessment of the methodologies used to explore media, as well as new understandings of the concepts of interaction and community (virtual communities and broadcast communities). The media are examined not simply in terms of content, but also in terms of medium and network forms. Holmes also explores the differences between analogue and digital cultures, and between cyberspace and virtual reality. The book serves both as an upper level textbook for New Media courses and a good general guide to understanding the sociological complexities of the modern communications environment.