The principal investigator (PI) proposes to study the algebraic topological structure of the state transition lattice (diagram) of models used for representing protocols of communication and computation systems. He will emphasize queueing and Petri network protocol models. The research program will involve a study of lattice topological structure, product and non-product form networks, protocol synthesis, protocol resource contention, and the relation between lattice structure and network traffic processes. Potential applications include the performance evaluation of communication, computation, and management systems.