A Framework For The Performance Evaluation Of Integrated Networks

Rapid convergence of all modes of communications enabling universal, ubiquitous access is opening up new areas of research. This is especially true of the performance evaluation domain for these heterogeneous ("integrated") networks. Typical scenarios currently envisioned for heterogeneous networks assume packet core networks accessed via a wide variety of techniques such as traditional wire-line, wireless, cable, etc., connected to access devices such as traditional wire-line phones, mobile phones, cable modems, etc. At Nortel Networks, two projects are underway to characterize the performance of integrated networks. The first is a live-air trial of a prototype network using CDMA for wireless access to an IP core network. The second is the development of a simulation model to be used to predict the behavior of large-scale integrated networks. This paper is an attempt at organizing the lessons learned from these twin efforts into a logical sequence of steps for evaluating network performance. Presented here is the resulting generic framework for the performance evaluation of integrated networks. Results from the prototype network testing, and the simulation study, will be presented in subsequent papers.