Module: Data Network Protocol Analysis & Simulation

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Data Network Protocol Analysis & Simulation
Module Code	EE509 (ITS) / EEN1070 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Electronic Engineering
Module Co-ordinator	-
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

The ability to predict how a data communications network will perform in terms of delay, throughput or packet loss is an important aspect of the engineering practice of computer and telecommunications network design. Given the complexity of operation of communications protocols, coupled with the randomness of data traffic transported by a network, gaining a reliable estimate of system performance requires careful analysis with appropriate modelling techniques. The aim of this module is to firstly review the operating principles of data communications protocols and then to develop the basic theory and practice required for evaluating the performance of communications systems and data networks, using discrete-state mathematical and computer simulation modelling methods.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the basic operating principles of the protocols used to implement various layers of the OSI model and identify their basic performance parameters,
2. design and implement a disrcete-event computer simulation model for performance evaluation of a data communications network and be able to analyse the simulation output using statistical methods,
3. derive results relating to single server queuing models and networks of queues,
4. apply the analytic techniques of probability and queuing theory to calculate the performance characteristics of selected communications systems or protocols,
5. compare the achievable accuracy of the results from simulation models to that of analytic models that employ approximations to achieve a tractable solution.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Assignment Completion	40	For the simulation assignment you will write your own basic discrete event simulator. Java is the supported language, but it is possible to complete the assignment in another language such as C or C++.
Directed learning	3	No Description
Independent Study	109	No Description
Total Workload: 188

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Review of Data Network Protocols and Introduction to Performance Evaluation
Network layer functions and an intrduction to circuit and packet switching, link layer protocols, IP, routing, TCP, and application protocols. Future network trends. Motivation for the use of analysis and simulation methods: performance measures, resource allocation/dimensioning, deployment costs.

Mathematical Fundamentals for Performance Analysis
Probability spaces, probability functions, random variables, probability laws, stochastic processes, renewal processes, Poisson process, Markov processes and Birth-Death processes.

Discrete-Event Stochastic Simulation Methods
Introduction to simulation modelling methodologies, random variates, pseudo-random number generators, non-uniform variates: inverse transform sampling and rejection sampling, event-lists, event scheduling and implementation, simulation validation, confidence intervals, and analysis of results.

Queueing Analysis Methods
Performance measures and objectives, Kendall's notation, Little's law, Markovian queueing systems, M/M/1, M/M/infinity, M/M/n, M/M/1/K, M/M/m/m, priority queues, the M/G/1 and M/D/1 queue. Product-Form Queueing networks.

Analysis of Network Protocol Performance
Examples such as LAN/MAN random access and polling networks, packet switched network throughput, and router queue management.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	25%	Examination Weight	75%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Project	simulation assigment	17%	Week 9
Project	analysis assignment	8%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

James Kurose and Keith Ross: 2017, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 2017, Addison Wesley, ISBN-13: 9780
Harry Perros: 0, Computer Simulation Techniques--The Definitive Introduction, http://www4.ncsu.edu/~hp/books.html,
Analysis of Computer Networks: 2015, Analysis of Computer Networks, Springer, 978-3-319-156
Kishor Trivedi: 2002, Probability and Statistics with Reliability, Queuing, and Computer Science Applications, 2, Wiley-Interscience, 0471333417

Other Resources

None