Simulation models and quality of service in Internet protocol-based networks – an exploratory investigation

New network routing technologies such as MPLS and Diffserv provide a way for network service providers to dramatically improve quality of service in their IP networks, whilst at the same time offering more value-added applications consumers are demanding. However, these technologies are not fully understood in this context and network service providers are not yet able to optimize the design of their IP networks. A recently formed company has developed a computer aided design simulation tool to address this problem. A review of the literature on quality of service, IP networks, design and simulation suggests this tool may provide optimization benefits. On the other hand network service providers will only adopt this tool if they recognize simulation as the most effective way to solve their design-related problems. Exploratory research with network service providers currently deploying Diffserv networks revealed they want to keep their networks simple through the use of over-provisioning and stringent analytical modeling. Thus, there may not be a strong market demand at present for such a simulation tool. However, networks are expected to become more complex as their product life cycle matures and at that time a higher demand for such a tool may develop.