|
Module Title |
Data Network Protocol Analysis & Simulation
|
|
Module Code |
EE509
|
|
School |
School of Electronic Engineering
|
Online Module Resources
|
| Module Co-ordinator | Dr Jennifer McManis | Office Number | S330 |
|
Level |
5
|
Credit Rating |
7.5
|
|
Pre-requisite |
None
|
|
Co-requisite |
None
|
|
|
Module Aims
|
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
|
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to
apply the basic analytic methods of probability and queueing theory to calculate the performance characteristics of a range of communications systems, including circuit switches, packet switches, optical WDM switches and polling and random access networks,
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,
apply modelling methods to basic communication systems to determine the required system resources (e.g. communications channel bit rate) necessary to achieve a desired level of performance,
compare the achievable accuracy of the results from simulation models to that of analytic models that employ approximations to achieve a tractable solution, and
determine the fundamental effects of different traffic types on system performance.
|
|
Indicative Time Allowances
|
|
|
Hours
|
|
Lectures |
36
|
|
Tutorials |
|
|
Laboratories |
|
|
Seminars |
|
|
Independent Learning Time |
76.5
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
112.5
|
|
Placements |
|
|
Assignments |
|
|
|
NOTE
|
Assume that a 7.5 credit module load represents approximately 112.5 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.
|
|
Indicative Syllabus
|
|
Review of Data Network Protocols and Introduction to Performance Evaluation
Network layer functions and an introduction 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, moments and moment generating functions, probability laws, stochastic processes, renewal processes, Poisson process, Markov processes and discrete-time and continuous-time Markov chains and application examples, 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. Application to communications sytems performance analysis.
Analysis of Loss Systems
Erlang-B and numerical solutions, overflow analysis, Equivalent Random Theory, optical switching application example.
Analysis of Medium Access Protocols
LAN/MAN random access and polling networks, Aloha and slotted Aloha, CSMA/CD and ethernet.
Traffic Characteristics
Non-Markovian traffic, Interrupted Poisson Process, long-tailed traffic, effective bandwidth.
Introduction to Network Dimensioning and Optimisation
Basic graph theory, network flow and capacity problems, resource allocation and optimisation.
|
| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 25% | Examination Weight | 75% |
|
|
Indicative Reading List
|
|
Recommended Reading
-------------------
"Introduction to Queueing Theory", Robert B. Cooper, 2nd Edition, North-Holland (Elsevier), 1981. (available online)
"Teletraffic Engineering Handbook", ITU-D, Study Group 2, 2008. (available online)
"Performance Analysis of Local Computer Networks", Joseph Hammond and Peter OReilly, Addison-Wesley, 1986.
"Computer Simulation Techniques - The Definitive Introduction", Harry Perros, e-book, 2009. (available online)
Additional Reference Material
-----------------------------
"Computer Networking, A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet", 3rd Edition, James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross, Addison Wesley.
Discrete Event Simulation, 4th Ed., Jerry Banks, John Carson, Barry Nelson, David Nicol, Prentice Hall, 2005
"Queueing Systems", L. Kleinrock, Wiley, 1975.
"Probability, Random Variables and Stochastic Processes", A Papoulis, 2nd/3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1984/1991.
"Random Processes - A Mathematical Approach for Engineers", Robert Gray and Lee Davisson, Prentice-Hall, 1986.
"Fundamentals of Queueing Theory", Donald Gross, Carl M. Harris, 3rd Edition, Wiley, 1998.
"Teletraffic Theory and Engineering", Robert. B. Cooper and D.P. Heyman, Froehlich/Kent Encyclopaedia of Telecommunications, Vol. 16, Dekker, 1998, pp. 453-483. (available online)
|
|
|
|
Programme or List of Programmes
|
| BSSAO | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| ECSAO | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| GCES | Grad Cert. in Electronic Systems |
| GCTC | Grad Cert. in Telecommunications Eng. |
| GDE | Graduate Diploma in Electronic Systems |
| GTC | Grad Dip in Telecommunications Eng |
| HMSAO | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| IPME | Individual Postgrad. Modules-Electronics |
| MEN | MEng in Electronic Systems |
| MEQ | Masters Engineering Qualifier Course |
| MTC | MEng in Telecommunications Engineering |
| SHSAO | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| Archives: | |
