An introduction to information theory for discrete random variables. Classical topics and fundamental tools are presented along with three selected advanced topics. Yeung (Chinese U. of Hong Kong) presents chapters on information measures, zero-error data compression, weak and strong typicality, the I-measure, Markov structures, channel capacity, rate distortion theory, Blahut-Arimoto algorithms, information inequalities, and Shannon-type inequalities. The advanced topics included are single-source network coding, multi-source network coding, and entropy and groups. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.

This book provides an up-to-date introduction to information theory. In addition to the classical topics discussed, it provides the first comprehensive treatment of the theory of I-Measure, network coding theory, Shannon and non-Shannon type information inequalities, and a relation between entropy and group theory. ITIP, a software package for proving information inequalities, is also included. With a large number of examples, illustrations, and original problems, this book is excellent as a textbook or reference book for a senior or graduate level course on the subject, as well as a reference for researchers in related fields.