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Random Boolean networks are among the best-known systems used to model genetic networks. They show an on–off dynamics and it is easy to obtain analytical results with them. Unfortunately very few genes are strictly on–off switched. On the other hand, continuous methods are in principle more suitable to capture the real behavior of the genome, but have difficulties when trying to obtain analytical results. In this work, we introduce a new model of random discrete network: random walk networks, where the state of each gene is changed by small discrete variations, being thus a natural bridge between discrete and continuous models.

Random Boolean networks have been proposed as discrete models of genetic networks. Depending on the values of their control parameters, these networks fall by themselves in order or disorder phases. These networks are autonomous systems: no external inputs are considered. Nevertheless, in the real world the genetic networks are in5uenced by external signals. Many biological rhythms have 24-h periods related to sunlight, coupled with molecular clocks. In this work we study the response of Random Boolean Networks to analytical and non-analytical external periodic signals. The relationship between external and internal parameters for the determination of the dynamical behaviour of this networks is theoretically determined and simulations in agreement with these theoretical results are reported. c