Short description:

The purpose of network performance analysis is to investigate how traffic-management mechanisms deployed in the network affect the allocation of resources amongst its users and the performance they experience. This topic can be studied by the construction of models of traffic management mechanisms and observing how they perform by applying them to some flow of network traffic.

This useful volume introduces concepts and principles of network performance analysis by example, using the J programming language. J is rich in mathematical functionality, which makes it an ideal tool for analytical methods. The book favours a practical approach and develops functions in J to demonstrate mathematical concepts, thereby enabling readers to explore the underlying principles behind network performance analysis. In addition, this allows the subject to become more accessible to those who, although have a mathematical background, are not pure mathematicians.

Topics and features:

? Uses an example-driven approach to introduce the fundamentals of network performance analysis

? Provides a concise introduction to the J programming language

? Presents network calculus as a method for designing and engineering networks

? Focuses on statistical analysis and stochastic processes

? Demonstrates how to simulate traffic with both short-range and long-range dependence properties

? Covers ATM QoS, and examines Internet congestion control

Network Performance Analysis will equally appeal to network professionals and postgraduates studying the topic by providing valuable analytical tools and using J as a means of offering a practical treatment of the subject. Dr. Holt has a broad range of industry experience and now regularly lectures on this topic.

Long description:

Network Calculus is a mathematical theory concerned with deriving performance bound networks and this book aims to show that it can provide useful methods for designing and engineering networks. Examples are implemented in J making the subject more accessible to those that, although have a mathematical background, are not pure mathematicians.

Basic and advanced concepts of J are introduced throughout when required to illustrate different issues. Topics covering Network Calculus include wide sense increasing functions, mini-plus algebra, convolution and arrival, departure and services curves. Comprehensive examples in the application of Network Calculus are given, models for simulating network traffic and network systems are discussed and congestion control is explored.

This book brings Network Calculus closer to the network professional and will equally appeal to postgraduates studying network performance by providing valuable analytical tools and using J as a means of providing a practical treatment of the subject.

From the reviews:

"Holt provides a convincing argument by showing how one can accomplish this by using the J programming language. ... The book ends with an appendix including the J scripts used and a list of abbreviations. Overall, this is a concise, interesting, and easy-to-read book, full of specific applications ... therefore, it should be especially accessible and useful to practitioners in the networking field." (Tugrul Dayar, Computing Reviews, December, 2008)

Table of Contents:

Fundamentals of the J Programming Language.- Programming in J.- Network Calculus.- Stochastic Processes and Statistical Methods.- Traffic Modeling and Simulation.- Chaotic Maps.- ATM Quality of Service.- Congestion Control.