Describing the access network by means of router buffer modelling: a new methodology

Area of Science:

• Computer networking
• Network performance analysis

Background:

• Router buffers significantly impact network Quality of Service (QoS) by affecting delay, jitter, and packet loss.
• Characterizing buffer behavior is particularly important for real-time multimedia traffic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel methodology for characterizing the technical and functional aspects of real network buffers.
• To determine key buffer parameters such as behavior, size, limits, and input/output rates along a network path.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes a new methodology to analyze intermediate buffers within an Internet network path.
• This approach allows for the detailed examination of buffer dynamics and performance characteristics.

Main Results:

• The methodology enables the determination of specific buffer characteristics, including operational behavior, capacity, and throughput.
• It provides insights into how intermediate buffers affect network traffic parameters.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology offers a valuable tool for understanding and optimizing network performance.
• Accurate buffer characterization is essential for ensuring reliable delivery of real-time and multimedia services over the Internet.