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6.852J / 18.437J Distributed Algorithms, Fall 2001

A honeycomb, which is a common architectural metaphor for distributed algorithms.
The honeycomb shown above is a common architectural metaphor for distributed algorithms. Similar to bees performing different functions to build a honeycomb, multiple computing devices depend on each other to accomplish a task. (Image courtesy of MIT OCW.)

Highlights of this Course

This course features lecture notes and student presentations. The materials are largely based on the textbook, Distributed Algorithms, written by Professor Nancy Lynch (see the publisher's site for more information).

Course Description

6.852J / 18.437J intends to: (1) provide a rigorous introduction to the most important research results in the area of distributed algorithms, and (2) prepare interested students to carry out independent research in distributed algorithms. Topics covered include: design and analysis of concurrent algorithms, emphasizing those suitable for use in distributed networks, process synchronization, allocation of computational resources, distributed consensus, distributed graph algorithms, election of a leader in a network, distributed termination, deadlock detection, concurrency control, communication, and clock synchronization. Special consideration is given to issues of efficiency and fault tolerance. Formal models and proof methods for distributed computation are also discussed.
 

Staff

Instructor:
Prof. Nancy Lynch

Course Meeting Times

Lectures:
Two sessions / week
1.5 hours / session

Level

Graduate

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