A
very nice article in the NYT touches on many aspects
of the Internet that I talked about (and will be talking
about in future lectures). In particular the article
highlights the importance of graph models in
understanding the structure and evolution of the
Internet.
Here is a quote:
Researchers have come up with
a dizzying array of models to explain the
consequences of the changing shape of the Internet.
Some describe the interconnections of the underlying
physical wires. Others analyze patterns of data
flow. And still others look at abstract connections
like Web page links that Google and other search
engine companies analyze as part of the search
process. Such models are of great interest to social
scientists, who can watch how people connect with
each other, and entrepreneurs, who can find new ways
to profit from the Internet. They are also of
increasing interest to government and law
enforcement organizations trying to secure the Net
and use it as a surveillance tool.
In a few weeks, we will be developing such models
(and developing an understanding of their significant
value).
Check the article out at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/science/02topo.html |