A Framework for Practical Performance Evaluation and Traffic Engineering in IP Networks

We propose a model for performance evaluation (average throughput, packet delay and loss probability) of IP networks that are dominated by congestion-controlled (i.e., TCP-like) traffic. Our model includes heterogeneous TCP flows, UDP flows, short-lived TCP flows, and TCP flows in a differentiated services network. We also introduce a practical approach to estimating the performance of large scale networks where flows may encounter multiple congested links. Through extensive simulations, we find our models to be accurate and efficient to compute. To our knowledge, the models developed hereafter are the first attempt to providing a framework for congestioncontrolled traffic. This quantitative network analysis is an essential part of traffic engineering and network provisioning for IP networks with Differentiated Services and/or Best Effort traffic.