A neural network is a computing paradigm that is loosely modeled after cortical structures of the brain. It consists of interconnected processing elements called neurons that work together to produce an output function. The output of a neural network relies on the cooperation of the individual neurons within the network to operate. Processing of information by neural networks is often done in parallel rather than in series (or sequentially). Since it relies on its member neurons collectively to perform its function, a unique property of a neural network is that it can still perform its overall function even if some of the neurons are not functioning. That is, they are very robust to error or failure (i.e., fault tolerant).