Communication Networks

Stanford University, Stanford CA

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of this ongoing research is to find the structure of the theory of information flow in networks. While several single-user channels, and a few multi-user channels, are completely understood, the rate region of the general multi-user memoryless network p(y1 ym x1 xm ) remains unknown. Certain key channels and new formulations are serving to advance the theory. This work focuses on relay networks (where passive nodes are recruited as relays), ad hoc networks (with interference and Gaussian noise), erasure networks (in which the nodes and symbols are erased at random), and amplification networks (in which the state of the channel becomes the intended information). Quantum communication networks allow physical processing not conceived by classical probability theory. In particular, this work is investigating how quantum entanglement may be used to facilitate cooperative communica- tion. The general attack on classical networks is based on developing ideas for inducing cooperation in an attempt to provide principles for practical low complexity implementation.