Data network analysis using NOVA

A flexible, model-based tool is presented for use in the analysis of telecommunication networks. The tool was designed and implemented using object-oriented principles. Through the use of software models, which can be modified or added, NOVA allows the analysis of data networks with arbitrary characteristics and topologies. We discuss specific models for a network node and a link, which are the main components of a network topology. A sensitivity analysis of various model parameters was performed using a sample topology. In addition, NOVA was used to analyze the performance of the telecommunication network of southern China. We evaluated the network for various air traffic loads using fixed background data traffic. We investigated the average number of packets, average waiting time for a packet, average total time spent for a packet, and the utilization at a given city node in the network. By exploiting NOVA's modularity and flexibility, we were able to gain insight into various trade-offs involved in a telecommunication network design.