Introduction

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the fundamental concepts, models, tools, and methodologies used for connectivity studies. We start with an introduction to the major connection models used to describe the establishment of communication links between devices or nodes. These include the Erdős–Rényi connection model, the unit disk connection model, the log-normal connection model, the random connection model, and the SINR connection model. The relationship of these models and their impact on connectivity studies are discussed. Next, we cover the network models that have been widely used to capture the spatial distribution of nodes. Particularly, the dense network model, the extended network model, and the infinite network model are discussed. Finally, we briefly introduce the main tools and methodologies used for connectivity studies, including Continuum percolation theory, branching process, and algebraic graph theory, and present the main results, established using these tools, on network connectivity.