Network simulation for the effective extraction of IP network statistics

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which a communication sessions' QoS parameters can be measured through only extracting TCP/IP header data. The effect on these measurements based on the point of header extraction within the network as well as the OSI stack are also investigated. An overview of packet switched networks and packet switched network protocols are given. The disadvantages and advantages of different network architectures and protocols are also given. Different network simulation tools are discussed and compared to find the most appropriate simulation tool for this study. Two network topologies are introduced and sessions are constructed and monitored through only using the TCP/IP header data. Sessions are established and maintained and the results obtained from these sessions are compared and the most appropriate solution is chosen. The results have shown that extracting data at the edge routers for sessions are the most optimal solution. These sessions are established and maintained through using virtual private network technologies and protocols.