Network performance
Network performance is a relative term and can mean many different things depending on the type of network. In general Network Performance refers to the level of quality of service of a telecommunications product [1]. The following list gives examples of Network Performance measures for a circuit-switched network and one type of packet-switched network, viz. ATM:
- Circuit-switched networks: In these networks, network performance is synonymous with the grade of service. The number of rejected calls is a measure of how well the network is performing under heavy traffic loads [1]. Other types of performance measures can include noise, jitter, delay and so on.
- ATM: In an ATM network performance can be measured by line rate, QoS, data throughput, connect time, stability, technology, modulation technique and modem enhancements [2].
It should be kept in mind that there are many different ways to measure the performance of a network, as each network is different in nature and design. Performance can also be modelled instead of measured; one example of this is using state transition diagrams to model queuing performance in a circuit-switched network. These diagrams allow the network planner to analyze how the network will perform in each state, ensuring that the network will be optimally designed [3].
For more specific information on network performance, one should refer to articles on specific network technologies, as well as the quality of service and grade of service articles.
Reference
[1] ITU-T Study Group 2, Teletraffic Engineering Handbook http://www.com.dtu.dk/teletraffic/handbook/telenook.pdf, Last accessed 13 February 2005
[2] Telecommunications Magazine Online, Americas January 2003, Issue Highlights, Online Exclusive: Broadband Access Maximum Performance, http://www.telecommagazine.com, Last accessed 13 February 2005.
[3] State Transition Diagrams, http://cne.gmu.edu/modules/os_perf/std.t.html, Last accessed 13 July 2003