Network Design and Implementation using Emulation-Based Analysis

Current network design and implementation processes employ simulation for analysis at the network design phase and directly step into prototyping based on this analysis followed by physical testbed analysis and full scale deplopyment. Due to abstractions in the simulated models of the network protocols, it is difficult to maintain accurate predictability of the network performance as the process moves into the detailed design and the subsequent prototyping phase. This paper presents an emulation-based approach for network design and implementation and aims to bridge the gap between simulation and the prototuyping phase. Emulation-based analysis uses emulations of protocols and applications in real-time, together with high fidelity simulation models of physical hardware, environement effects and mobility. This paper provides an overview of the approach and presents a case study to highlight its ability to allow for accurate predicability of the network performance as the network matures from design to deployment.