Steven W. McLaughlin

Comments on Broadcast Channels

The key ideas in the theory of broadcast channels are illustrated by discussing some of the progress toward finding the capacity region. The capacity region is still unknown.

Information Theory and Communication Networks: An Unconsummated Union

Information theory has not yet had a direct impact on networking, although there are similarities in concepts and methodologies that have consistently attracted the attention of researchers from both fields. In this paper, we review several topics that are related to communication networks and that have an information-theoretic flavor, including multiaccess protocols, timing channels, effective bandwidth of bursty data sources, deterministic constraints on datastreams, queuing theory, and switching networks.

Reliable Communication Under Channel Uncertainty

In many communication situations, the transmitter and the receiver must be designed without a complete knowledge of the probability law governing the channel over which transmission takes place. Various models for such channels and their corresponding capacities are surveyed. Special emphasis is placed on the encoders and decoders which enable reliable communication over these channels.

Codes for Digital Recorders

Constrained codes are a key component in the digital recording devices that have become ubiquitous in computer data storage and electronic entertainment applications. This paper surveys the theory and practice of constrained coding, tracing the evolution of the subject from its origins in Shannons classic 1948 paper to present-day applications in high-density digital recorders. Open problems and future research directions are also addressed.

Learning Pattern ClassificationA Survey

Classical and recent results in statistical pattern recognition and learning theory are reviewed in a two-class pattern classification setting. This basic model best illustrates intuition and analysis techniques while still containing the essential features and serving as a prototype for many applications. Topics discussed include nearest neighbor, kernel, and histogram methods, Vapnik-Chervonenkis theory, and neural networks. The presentation and the large (thogh nonexhaustive) list of references is geared to provide a useful overview of this field for both specialists and nonspecialists.