Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2016 - 2017
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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. 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, 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. 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, 4. compare the achievable accuracy of the results from simulation models to that of analytic models that employ approximations to achieve a tractable solution, 5. determine the fundamental effects of different traffic types on system performance. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities Review of Data Network Protocols and Introduction to Performance EvaluationNetwork 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 AnalysisProbability 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 MethodsIntroduction 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 MethodsPerformance 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 SystemsErlang-B and numerical solutions, overflow analysis, Equivalent Random Theory, optical switching application example.Analysis of Medium Access ProtocolsLAN/MAN random access and polling networks, Aloha and slotted Aloha, CSMA/CD and ethernet.Traffic CharacteristicsNon-Markovian traffic, Interrupted Poisson Process, long-tailed traffic, effective bandwidth.Introduction to Network Dimensioning and OptimisationBasic graph theory, network flow and capacity problems, resource allocation and optimisation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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