DATA-FLOW THROUGH A DOUBLE PROCESS SYSTEM

A simple model of an element in a data communications network has been investigated. It is shown that the system exhibits a rich dynamical b ehaviour which under certain conditions may lead to a substantial and sometimes persistent degradation in its performance. Simple guidelines are established for specifying the conditions under which such exotic behaviour, eg: periodic and aperiodic oscillations, can be avoided in order to guarantee reliable and optimal operation of the system. The model is extended to consider multi-process/processor systems.