Network traffic simulation is a process used in telecommunications engineering to measure the efficiency of a communications network.
Overview
Telecommunications systems are complex real-world systems, containing many different components which interact, in complex interrelationships. The analysis of such systems can become extremely difficult: modelling techniques tend to analyse each component rather than the relationships between components. Simulation is an approach which can be used to model large, complex stochastic systems for forecasting or performance measurement purposes. It is the most common quantitative modelling technique used.
Random numbers
As most systems involve stochastic processes, simulations frequently make use of random number generators to create input data which approximates the random nature of real-world events. Computer generated [random numbers] are usually not random in the strictest sense, as they are calculated using a set of equations. Such numbers are known as pseudo-random numbers. When making use of pseudo-random numbers the analyst must make certain that the true randomness of the numbers is checked. If the numbers are found not to behave in a sufficiently random fashion, another generation technique must be found. Random numbers for the simulation are created by a random number generator.
See also
- Channel model
- Network simulation
- Network simulator
- Mobility models
- Traffic generation model
- Simulation language
- Queueing theory