Network Analysis and Architecture

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Network Analysis

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 1. Introduction

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      The main theme of this book is network analysis and architecture design for network planning. While there are various types of networks, this book specifically focuses on computer networks for data communication. Therefore, it uses the term networks to specifically refer to computer networks unless specified explicitly otherwise.

   3. Chapter 2. Systematic Approaches

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      A computer network is a system consisting of a large number of physical and logical components that are interconnected in a complex manner. This complexity makes network planning, particularly for large-scale networks, a challenging task in terms of analysis and architecture design. To achieve a satisfactory solution to the network planning problem, it is essential to adopt systematic approaches along with a structured planning process.

   4. Chapter 3. Requirements Analysis

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      Requirements analysis is the first phase of systematic network planning in the systems approach, waterfall model, and top-down methodology, which are discussed previously in the last chapter. Subsequent phases will not commence until this phase is completed. The primary objective of requirements analysis is to clarify and define the network planning problems that need to be solved but have not been clearly specified. This chapter will discuss what and how requirements are developed in a systematic manner.

   5. Chapter 4. Traffic Flow Analysis

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      Many of the requirements developed from the requirements analysis in the previous chapter are directly or indirectly related to performance for users, applications, devices, and the network in the four-layer generic network analysis model.

3. Network Architecture

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 5. Network Architectural Models

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      Network architecture is a high-level view of network structure from various perspectives. It describes the logical relationships of the topological and functional components of the network for network services and applications. Therefore, the development of network architecture mainly focuses on a top-level view of the logical integration of topological and functional components into the network. This implies that physical locations and detailed technical implementations of the network are not the primary purpose of network architecture, although an abstraction of some physical and technical information may appear in the architectural structure.

   3. Chapter 6. Network Addressing Architecture

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      A network address is used to identify a network or network device on the Internet for data communication. It is an IP address in TCP/IP networks, such as the Internet. IP addressing largely determines the format of the packet transferred over a network or the Internet. It also determines how to route and deliver traffic from end to end. Therefore, network addressing architecture is an important component in the planning and design of the overall network architecture. It characterizes how IP addressing resources can be better used, how traffic routing can be improved, and how the hierarchy, isolation, and grouping of users and devices can be supported through various addressing mechanisms and strategies.

   4. Chapter 7. Network Routing Architecture

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      Routing is a network-layer (layer-3) function in ISO’s seven-layer network architecture. It involves the process of finding a communication path, typically from multiple options, to deliver network traffic from its source to the intended destination. Routing decisions are made within a network, such as an enterprise network, spanning multiple networks like campus networks in a university, or across the Internet. Through these decisions, network packets are routed from their source nodes to their destination nodes, passing through intermediate nodes like gateways, routers, and firewalls. These intermediate nodes have routing protocols installed and executed to handle traffic routing and packet forwarding. Each routing device responsible for traffic routing and packet forwarding maintains a dynamic routing table, which keeps a record of routes to various network destinations. If a specific destination does not have a route listed in the routing table, the routing protocol installed on the device will search for it by communicating with other routers, typically neighboring ones.

   5. Chapter 8. Network Performance Architecture

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      Network performance architecture aims to describe how performance requirements, developed from requirements analysis and specifications, are fulfilled within the network during planning and design. Therefore, the task of architectural design for performance cannot be performed before conducting a comprehensive requirements analysis. To comprehend network performance architecture, it is necessary to understand the concept of performance, the characterization of performance requirements, the focus of performance architecture, and the available mechanisms and techniques that support network performance.

   6. Chapter 9. Network Management Architecture

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      The easiest method of managing network devices is in an ad-hoc manner. To check the status of a network device or link, send messages to the device or over the link. Then, observe and analyze the response. If the response shows our expected results, e.g., connectivity and delay, the device or link works well. Otherwise, further identify potential problems and fix them. The operating system has provided some utilities for checking the status of a network device, link, or other aspects. For example, ping, traceroute (or tracert in Windows), and netstat are examples of these utilities. By using these utilities, statistics or other specific information can be obtained from remote systems.

   7. Chapter 10. Network Security and Privacy Architecture

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      Network security and privacy are one of the most critical considerations in computer networking. Encompassing all aspects and components of a network, they profoundly influence network performance and the behavior of network functions. Designing a security and privacy architecture that effectively safeguards the entire network while minimizing its impact on performance and behavior is a formidable challenge due to the fact that the threats originate both internally and externally. To tackle this challenge, a systematic approach to network security and privacy design is essential, especially by employing a top-down methodology and systems approach. This chapter aims to provide guidance towards achieving this goal.

4. Network Infrastructure

   1. Frontmatter

   2. Chapter 11. Data Centers

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      A data center is a facility that centralizes the shared IT operations and equipment of an organization for the storage and processing of data, information, and applications. Traditionally, data centers were dedicated physical spaces within a building or group of buildings, meticulously controlled and managed on premises.

   3. Chapter 12. Virtualization and Cloud

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      Computer networks were initially designed to connect physical network devices through wired or wireless connections. With  advancements in network technologies including hardware and software, computer networks have undergone significant evolution. This evolution has driven the research, development, and implementation of flexible, programmable, and configurable networks in various applications and services. Consequently, virtual networking has emerged and gained popularity, particularly in data centers and large-scale networks.

   4. Chapter 13. Building TCP/IP Socket Applications

      Yu-Chu Tian, Jing Gao

      Abstract

      In the networked world, various  general-purpose application-layer systems are available, such as web browsers, email clients, and social network apps. These systems are already integrated with existing network protocols to provide their functionality. For example, web browsers use the HTTP application protocol for processing hypertext. They also use TCP as the underlying transport protocol. Since these off-the-shelf application systems already embed the necessary network protocols and communications, no further development is required before they are used.

5. Backmatter