In our last blog, we introduced our new series on Network Modeling where we looked at its meaning and how it can help organizations of all kinds optimize performance and network management. This week, we will continue with Part 2 of this series by looking at “What is Network Modeling” as well exploring the requirements that it must follow to be a useful tool for operators.
What is Network Modeling – Part 2
In network modeling, a virtual replica of the network, termed as the ‘network model’, is employed to dissect how various components of the network (such as routers, access points, smartphones, radios, satellites, and wireless channels) interact to ensure end-to-end delivery of traffic from supported applications. For instance, a Wi-Fi network model meticulously replicates the networked environment, encompassing all hardware components. It simulates traffic flow through the network and interfaces with all components, accounting for mobility, terrain, and interference.
Network modeling equips analysts with tools to scrutinize application, network, or device performance through real-time visualization and statistical data display during simulation, along with post-simulation analysis of collected statistical data (e.g., dropped calls, average end-to-end latency, and throughput of text/video data). Such analyses serve to validate requirements, identify potential issues, and evaluate the efficacy of alternative solutions. For instance, a battlefield network planner might leverage network simulations to gauge whether a specified laydown utilizing airborne and ground-based communication assets can meet the requisite Quality of Service for both high-priority “call for fire” messages and periodic updates crucial for maintaining Situational Awareness (SA) during missions. Similarly, a power distribution grid network planner could run simulations to forecast network behavior across various operational scenarios, including cyberattacks.
Moreover, network modeling serves as a testbed for application developers. The simulator can interface with the application being tested while running on external devices, enabling easy analysis of application performance under different operational conditions by modifying the network model accordingly. Comprehensive testing of applications using live equipment can often be challenging and expensive. For example, testing a software application over a network comprising thousands of ground and air-based entities, as well as satellites, under various weather conditions, is arduous with live equipment but can be efficiently conducted using a simulation testbed.
Criteria for Practical Network Modeling
For a network modeling tool to be practically viable for network operators, planners, designers, testers, and analysts, it must meet specific criteria:
Fidelity: The network model must accurately represent the network’s characteristics to instill confidence in simulation results. Factors such as network protocols, terrain, environmental conditions, device mobility, and the bursty nature of network traffic influence network dynamics and performance. The network model should possess sufficient fidelity or accuracy to capture these effects adequately.
Scalability: Accurate mirroring of the target network’s size is crucial as large networks behave differently from small networks and exhibit distinct network dynamics. Simulations of small networks cannot reliably extrapolate the performance of large networks. Only ‘at-scale’ models can furnish dependable results.
Speed: In addition to fidelity and scalability, simulation speed is vital for generating useful results. For large-scale models, simulation execution time becomes critical, as it can increase exponentially with network size. Legacy network simulators often relied on sequential model execution, running significantly slower than real-time. However, modern network simulators employing parallel discrete-event simulation (PDES) leverage multi-core processors and parallel computing technologies to ensure models run at or faster than real-time, enhancing efficiency and utility.
Unlocking Network Modeling Potential
By adhering to these requirements, network modeling emerges as an indispensable tool for understanding, optimizing, and securing complex communication networks in diverse operational scenarios.
EXata network modeling software is a premier provider of comprehensive live/virtual/constructive communications and networking modeling and simulation tools spanning diverse domains from undersea to space. Our virtualization technology caters to the development, analysis, evaluation, and training needs of military, governmental, commercial, and academic institutions. Featuring high fidelity and real-time simulation capabilities, our platform incorporates physics-based models of military and commercial satellites, tactical, acoustic, and optical networks, coupled with emulation interfaces. Additionally, our cyber behavior models offer a robust vulnerability analysis framework, equipped with configurable cyberattack and defense models for IP networks, weapon systems, and cyber physical networks. Leveraged by our customers, our network modeling solutions facilitate the assessment of performance and cyber resiliency in networked communications environments, while also supporting system lifecycle management and operator training initiatives.