Simulation and Analysis of the AFLC Bulk Data Network Using Abstract Data Types

摘要

The AFLC Bulk Data Network (BDN) is a packet switching network which electronically transfers bulk computer data (magnetic tapes) between the six AFLC bases. The network operates at 'full' capacity for extended periods of time at the beginning of each month. This results in undesirable delays in transferring data between the sites. To remedy the problem, AFCCPC//SKDAR plans to add an additional circuit to the network and increase the transmission capacity of another circuit. A computer simulation was developed and validated to analyze this and other proposals formulated to improve network performance. The simulation makes extensive use of abstract data types to represent key network components. The abstract data structures provide a set of functional building blocks which are linked together to model a variety of network configurations. The program incorporates full node to node link and tape to tape message protocols. The model can be used to study both interactive and batch traffic, using one of three different routing algorithms. (Author)