Choosing an Accurate Network Model using Domain Analysis

Almudena Konrad
Ben Y. Zhao
Anthony D. Joseph

First International Workshop on Performance Modelling in Wired,
Wireless, Mobile Networking and Computing (PMW-MNC05)

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Paper Abstract


Accurate network modeling is critical to the design of network protocols.  Traditional modeling approaches, such as Discrete Time Markov Chains (DTMC) are limited in their ability to model time-varying characteristics. This problem is exacerbated in the wireless domain, where fading events create extreme burstiness of delays, losses, and errors on wireless links. In this paper, we introduce the Multiple states MTA (MMTA), a model based on the data preconditioning modeling methodology.  We then describe a general methodology that quantifies the accuracy of a given model for a given data trace, and show how it can be used to choose the most accurate model for a given network with specific statistical characteristics.