Title:
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"Dynamics and Performance of Data Communication Network Model"

Speaker:
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Prof. Anna T. Lawniczak
Department of Mathematics & Statistics
Guelph-Waterloo Physics Institute
University of Guelph, Canada

Abstract:
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Packet switching network (PSN) technology has facilitated unprecedented 
growth of data communication networks.  It is a complex technology organized 
as various hierarchical layers according to the International Standard 
Organization (ISO) OSI (Open Systems Interconnect) Reference Model. The
Network Layer of the ISO OSI Reference Model is responsible for delivering 
packets from their sources to their destinations and for dealing with 
congestion if it arises in a network. Packet traffic dynamics is complex 
and not well understood. For future design of data networks and control of 
their congestion it is important to improve the understanding of how networks 
routing strategies and connection topologies affects networks dynamics and 
performance indicators.

We present an abstraction of the Network Layer of the ISO OSI Reference
Model that we developed. Using our model of the OSI Network-layer we investigate
packet traffic dynamics in data networks. We explore how network connection
topology and routing algorithms affect these dynamics and network performance
indicators. In particular we explore packet traffic spatio-temporal dynamics
near the phase transition point from free flow to congestion for various
network connection topologies and routing algorithms. We present selected
simulation results and analyze them.