Performance Evaluation of ATM Networks in Computer Simulation

One of the principal phases in the design process of the information systems is the performance evaluation of these systems. Queuing networks and Markov chains are commonly used for performance and reliability evaluation of computer, communication, and systems manufacturing. In the context of this work, this phase of analysis is based on a mathematical modelling and resolution in terms of Markov chains. Several reputable formalisms were developed to address the problem arising from the size (potentially very large) of these chains. In this paper, we are interested in the generation of computer and telecommunication networks using the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). ATM networks use small fixed size cells to transmit information. This allows them to share the same network for voice, video, and data at a wide range of distances. Most computer and telecommunication companies are working on ATM products and services. The required performances relate in this study to the stationary distribution of the Markov chain. Iterative algorithms were already developed, however, for very large models, obtaining the stationary distribution remains difficult when applying these algorithms. Keywords— ATM, Markov Chains, Modeling, Simulation, Performance evaluation, Numerical methods.