Computer Networks 148 (2019) iii–iv
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Computer Networks
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/comnet
Editorial
Computer Networks (COMNET) Editorial for 2018
Almost two decades have passed since Ian Akyildiz and Harry
Rudin became Joint Editors-in-Chief for Computer Networks back
in January 20 0 0. While Ian Akyildiz was responsible for regular
issue papers, Harry Rudin has been organizing special issues on
several various hot topics in computer networking. The last two
decades were an interesting journey for the incredible progress of
the journal. Recently, Harry Rudin retired from his position and we
are fortunate to have Burkhard Stiller as the new Editor in Chief
for special issues. We wish all the best to Harry Rudin for his
outstanding work and contributions to the huge success of COM-
NET journal. We look forward to Burkhard’s following the legacy of
Harry Rudin.
In the last two decades the journal has gained a strong reputa-
tion in the networking research community in terms of publishing
high quality technical papers by having very high standards, a rig-
orous review process, short-turn around times, by covering timely
research topics and publishing special issues on the most recent
popular research areas. These all contributed to a very healthy in-
put flow of high quality papers.
The most notable success in the last two decade was, without
any doubt, the Impact Factor (IF) for our journal which reached
2.522 up from 0.249 when we started our tenure back in 20 0 0.
Even much better when we look at the cumulative IF in the last
five years, we see a remarkable result of 2.589.
Given that each year we have eighteen issues (12 regular and
6 special issues) which not only helps further to reduce the turn-
around time for manuscripts and gives us the opportunity to pub-
lish special issues on hot topics in the research field but this makes
the meaning of our IF much more respectful because the IF is cal-
culated by the total number of citations divided by the total num-
ber of papers published in a year.
The facts, i.e., a short turn-around time, a rigorous review pro-
cess, and coverage of timely research topics, all contributed to a
very healthy input flow of very high quality papers which are re-
flected in the total number of very large number of submissions.
The overall acceptance rate is approximately 20%. It is with grati-
tude and pleasure that we extend our hearty thanks to the authors,
reviewers, Guest Editors, Members of the Editorial Board, and read-
ers that have made this possible.
In the last 20 years we also published many special issues
on very timely which inspired many researchers in the world to
conduct research in those areas. If you are interested to organize
special issues on timely topics, please do not hesitate to contact
Burkhard Stiller.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1389-1286(18)31427-0
1389-1286
From time to time we receive questions about various subjects
which we try to clarify here.
We do consider SURVEY papers. In fact, we encourage re-
searchers to submit more survey papers on hot topics in the fu-
ture. We are also continuously looking for high quality technical
papers.
Another issue is about simultaneous submissions to a confer-
ence or to another journal. In these cases we reject those simul-
taneously submitted papers immediately. On the other hand, if
papers appeared in a conference proceedings prior to the sub-
mission to our journal then we do consider them for publica-
tion. However, we expect that the authors do some additional
work, e.g., more experiments, more detailed descriptions, proofs
etc., so bringing the prior published conference version of the pa-
per to a journal level. The conference paper must be cited in the
paper.
Another frequently asked question is about paper the fil-
tering process. Each submitted paper is double-checked by the
EiC or later by the assigned Editor to see whether it fits the
scope of the journal or that it does not cover an obsolete topic
and that it has sufficient technical depth. Any non-suitable pa-
per is rejected by the EiC or the responsible Editor immedi-
ately. In this way, referees will not be bothered by additional
work and the authors do not waste their time waiting for referee
reports.
Many researchers have volunteered their time and technical ex-
pertise during the last year to provide referee reports. They play
a key role in continuing the high quality of the Journal. On be-
half of the authors, editors and Elsevier, we express our appre-
ciation to them for their invaluable time and help. We list these
reviewers in the back of this issue. If you are interested in serv-
ing as a referee, please do not hesitate to contact us or any of
the editors whose names are listed in the inside cover of the
journal.
We also want to point out the administrative team our journal
is fortunate to have, consisting of the Publishing Editor, Sweitze
Roffel in Amsterdam office; and Journal Manager, Mohammed
Samiullah, in the Chennai office and Special Issues Manager, Li-
uqing Zhang, in Beijing, all key figures. Our journals’ administra-
tion truly reflects the power of computer networking and how the
world can be regarded as a small village through this administra-
tive team in Amsterdam, Chennai, Beijing, Atlanta and Zurich. We
work harmoniously although we are residing physically in various
parts of the world. Despite these physical distances, our dedica-
iv Editorial / Computer Networks 148 (2019) iii–iv

tion and working together are major components in the success of Guest editors:
Computer Networks journal.
Ian F. Akyildiz
Requests, wishes, and suggestions from our readers are always
Atlanta, December 2018
welcome. If you have any feedback please do not hesitate to con-
tact us. We will continue to bring you the most important and sig- Harry Rudin
nificant research contributions in the years to come. Zurich, December 2018

Burkhard Stiller
Zurich, December 2018