Simulation and Analysis of a Local Area Network Interconnection Backbone for HQ, U.S. Army Europe and the Seventh Army

摘要

This thesis project develops a simulation model of the proposed backbone that will interconnect approximately 16 existing local are networks of the information community at HQ, U. S. Army Europe and the Seventh Army in Heidelberg, Germany. The objective is to develop a computer simulation that determines throughput and delay characteristics of the backbone. Potential configuration problems that may limit the full utility of the system are also identified from results of the simulation. An existing telephone switch at the Campbell Barracks in Heidelberg will be upgraded and interfaced, by way of a 9.6K bits/second link, to a packet switch to provide an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) environment for the integration of data and voice in one switching system. The computer simulation model is developed to analyze the data portion of the proposed system only. The simulation is implemented using Simulation Language for Alternative Modeling (SLAM II). The network orientation of SLAM II is used to represent the system with a user written FORTRAN function provided to determine the transmission link rates. A valid model is developed from a widely accepted analytical analysis of a star network similar to the proposed system at Heidelberg. The final validated model is then exercised with two different packet switch rates and two different link speeds of the telephone switch-to-packet switch interface.