Investigation of functioning of local computer networks based on simulation modeling

Abstract

Local area networks are widely used in modern organizations for data transmission and user interaction. The growth and development of information and communication technologies lead to the need for careful design and evaluation of the quality of functioning of local area networks before implementing new solutions. The prevalent methods employed for the calculation of bandwidth and packet delay are frequently insufficient to encompass the true operational state of a network. Such insufficiency arises from their reliance on simplifying assumptions pertaining to the nature of network load and traffic. Designing and optimizing such networks is a difficult task, especially under conditions of limited resources and increasing demands on information processing speed. This article illustrates the feasibility of employing simulation modeling techniques for the investigation of local computer networks, encompassing the assessment of their efficacy and the refinement of their architecture. A simulation model of a local computer network has been built. The settings of the main elements of the simulated process are described. Tests are conducted with the constructed model with different queue capacities and server loads. Based on the results of the tests, the parameters and characteristics of the network are clarified, conclusions on optimizing its operation and improving its functioning are noted. In particular, it was found that the network under consideration has problems with queuing. The queue size is a controllable parameter, and its optimal value can be selected experimentally using a simulation model. It is noted that improving network performance, namely reducing the percentage of lost requests, can be achieved by optimizing the queue size. The materials presented in the article serve as a basis for evaluating local computer network functionality during design and modernization, and are also relevant to the development of foundational educational programs.