This text provides an introduction to the theory of design and the analysis of algorithms for the dissemination of information in interconnection networks, with a special emphasis on broadcast. The book starts with the classic telegraph and telephone communication modes and follows the technology up to optical switches. Despite the rigorous presentation, simplicity and transparency are the main learning features of this book. All ideas, concepts, algorithms, analyses and arguments are first explained in an informal way in order to develop the right intuition, and then they are carefully specified in detail. This makes the content accessible for beginners as well as specialists.
From the reviews:
"The book covers the complexity of communication to disseminate information in networks. ... The book surveys the state of the art of broadcasting and gossiping in the telegraph and telephone modes of communication. ... appears to be especially useful to researchers in the field. ... The exposition is self-contained, including specialized topics." (Bogdan S. Chlebus, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2008 c)