Performance analysis by IP-based networks: a case study of university of Dar es Salaam local area network

Performance is a key criterion in the design, procurement, and use of computer and communication systems such as IP networks, and as such, the goal of both network operators and end users is to get the highest performance for a given cost. In order to address problems associated with performance degradation of operational communications systems, over the last decade, traffic engineering techniques have emerged in an attempt to optimize communication systems' performance and ensure more efficient use of their resources. One of these techniques is analytical modeling. Analytic performance models are an excellent tool for quickly evaluating the performance of operational or new systems. They are also well suited to comparing the performance of several alternative designs. This thesis explores different techniques used for performance evaluation studies. Performance analysis and modeling of the University of Dar es Salaam IP network is then carried out. By matching the auto covariance function and the marginal distribution of the counting process of traffic traces measured from the University of Dar es Salaam network, the use of Markov Modulated Poisson Process traffic Models (MMPP) for traffic traces exhibiting the Long Range Dependence and Self-Similar characteristics within limited time scales is validated. Finally, the use of the MMPP models for further performance studies (queuing analysis) of the University of Dar es Salaam IP network is recommended.