Distributed Computing
Principles, Algorithms, and Systems
Distributed computing deals with all forms of computing, information access,
and information exchange across multiple processing platforms connected
by computer networks. Design of distributed computing systems is a com-
plex task. It requires a solid understanding of the design issues and an
in-depth understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of their solu-
tions. This comprehensive textbook covers the fundamental principles and
models underlying the theory, algorithms, and systems aspects of distributed
computing.
Broad and detailed coverage of the theory is balanced with practical
systems-related problems such as mutual exclusion, deadlock detection,
authentication, and failure recovery. Algorithms are carefully selected, lucidly
presented, and described without complex proofs. Simple explanations and
illustrations are used to elucidate the algorithms. Emerging topics of signif-
icant impact, such as peer-to-peer networks and network security, are also
covered.
With state-of-the-art algorithms, numerous illustrations, examples, and
homework problems, this textbook is invaluable for advanced undergraduate
and graduate students of electrical and computer engineering and computer
science. Practitioners in data networking and sensor networks will also find
this a valuable resource.
Ajay D. Kshemkalyani is an Associate Professor in the Department of Com-
puter Science, at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He was awarded his
Ph.D. in Computer and Information Science in 1991 from The Ohio State
University. Before moving to academia, he spent several years working on
computer networks at IBM Research Triangle Park. In 1999, he received the
National Science Foundation’s CAREER Award. He is a Senior Member of
the IEEE, and his principal areas of research include distributed computing,
algorithms, computer networks, and concurrent systems. He currently serves
on the editorial board of Computer Networks.
Mukesh Singhal is Full Professor and Gartner Group Endowed Chair in Net-
work Engineering in the Department of Computer Science at the University
of Kentucky. He was awarded his Ph.D. in Computer Science in 1986 from
the University of Maryland, College Park. In 2003, he received the IEEE
