On Distributed Communications: II. Digital Simulation of Hot-Potato Routing in a Broadband Distributed Communications Network | RAND
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On Distributed Communications
II. Digital Simulation of Hot-Potato Routing in a Broadband Distributed Communications Network
Paul Baran, Sharla P. Boehm
ResearchPublished 1964
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One in a series of eleven Memoranda detailing the Distributed Adaptive Message Block Network, a proposed digital data communications system based on a distributed network concept. It describes preliminary computer simulation of a message routing scheme investigated as part of a study of ways of reducing the vulnerability of command and control communications networks. This routing doctrine, referred to as the “hot-potato” switching doctrine, differs from normal store-and-forward switching in that it permits an apparent real-time transmission of data even though it itself uses store-and-forward techniques.
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Topics
Communication Systems<br>Military Communication Systems<br>Modeling and Simulation<br>Telecommunications
Document Details
Copyright: RAND Corporation<br>Availability: Web Only
Year: 1964<br>Pages: 59<br>DOI: https://doi.org/10.7249/RM3103
Document Number: RM-3103-PR
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Baran, Paul and Sharla P. Boehm, On Distributed Communications: II. Digital Simulation of Hot-Potato Routing in a Broadband Distributed Communications Network, RAND Corporation, RM-3103-PR, 1964. As of May 20, 2026: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM3103.html
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Baran, Paul and Sharla P. Boehm, On Distributed Communications: II. Digital Simulation of Hot-Potato Routing in a Broadband Distributed Communications Network. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1964. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM3103.html.
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This research is sponsored by the United States Air Force under Project RAND-Contract No. AF 49(638)-700 monitored by the Directorate of Development Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff, Research and Development, Hq USAF.
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