Computer Networks

1 September 1970

journal article
Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in Computer

Vol. 3 (5) , 13-23
https://doi.org/10.1109/c-m.1970.216702

Abstract

Computer networks have the ability to bring the power of large machines to work on a single problem and to provide reliable computer services to large populations. They also may become an unmanageable structure that can cripple itself in a fashion akin to the great Northeast power failure in 1965. Imagine the following sequence: computer X does not have the sine subprogram but relies on computer Y for it; computer Y on the other hand solves the sine subprogram using the cosine subprogram which it doesn't have; computer Y therefore calls X for a cosine; X solves for cosine using sine which it asks Y for.& Of course, you say, no computer network would be so simplistic. But would you guarantee it could never happen for any set of computer resources among N computers-and that the network might not head for the buried recursive disaster like a lemming for a cliff?

Keywords

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