Capturing a Qualitative Model of Network Performance and Predicting Behavior [Vol. 6, No. 4, 1998]

Capturing a Qualitative Model of Network Performance and Predicting Behavior

Sule O. Ibraheem
Digital Equipment Corporation
Shrewsbury, MA 01545

Mieczyslaw M. Kokar
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering,
Northeastern University,
Boston, MA 02115, USA
Email: kokar_AT_coe.neu.edu

Lundy Lewis
Cabletron Systems, Inc.,
Nashua, NH 03063
Email: lewis_AT_ctron.com

Abstract
This paper describes a method for constructing behavior models of communication networks. The method utilizes archived quantitative performance data created by a network management platform to create a Quantitative/Qualitative (Q2 Dynamic System representation. The (Q2) representation captures the predominant qualitative (symbolic) states of the network, qualitative input events and transitions among the states resulting from these events. The symbolic model allows the network manager to understand the current system behavior, and predict future possible behaviors. We evaluated the method on two sets of archive data. The method shows promise for use in network management, including network monitoring, fault detection, prognostication and avoidance.

Keywords: network performance; qualitative model; network behavior; behavior prediction

JNSM: Vol. 6, No. 4, 1998 Capturing a Qualitative Model of Network Performance and Predicting Behavior [Vol. 6, No. 4, 1998]

NOTE: only abstract of paper available on-line

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