An Introduction to Network Modeling and Simulation for the Practicing Engineer

Clear guidelines and rules for using the latest modeling and simulation tools

With this practical guide as a reference, engineers and students can select and take full advantage of the best tools for network modeling and simulation (M&S). It alerts readers to all the potential pitfalls that can occur in developing and implementing network M&S, offering a clear set of rules to streamline the entire process and ensure the validity of results. The book focuses on wireless network M&S; however, the authors' expert advice, based on their own firsthand experience and review of the current literature, is applicable to network M&S in general.

An Introduction to Network Modeling and Simulation for the Practicing Engineer begins with a brief summary of the advantages and disadvantages of M&S as well as an overview of common M&S tools. Next, it explores the core components of wireless network M&S:

• Radio frequency propagation M&S

• Physical layer M&S

• Medium access control M&S

• Higher layer M&S

After discussing each of these components, the authors explain how they can be integrated in order to perform M&S of a complete wireless networking system. Throughout the book, examples guide readers through each M&S task, with descriptive diagrams providing additional clarification.

In many cases, M&S is the only viable way to understand the behavior of a proposed network prior to its deployment. Working with An Introduction to Network Modeling and Simulation for the Practicing Engineer, readers can ensure that their models and simulations are as accurate a reflection of reality as possible.