Abstract: With the emergence of complex network control systems (NCSs), such as smart grid, big data, cloud control system and teleoperation system, NCSs possess the new characteristics of wide area, wide range, and large data etc. This paper focuses on the network induced-delay and packet dropouts in the complex NCSs, which need more attention to. The research status of predictive control algorithm is examined and summarized, and also the future development directions of network control systems are discussed. This paper aimed to provide theoretical basis and research ways to predictive control of the complex network control systems.