Benefits of Using Network Modeling Platforms When Studying IP Networks and Traffic Characterization

Abstract

This article addresses the benefits of using IP network modeling platforms to study IP networks. For the purposes of this study, several models of IP networks were created, through which various hypotheses were studied. Additionally, different operational variants of the modeled IP networks were created. The use of the GNS3 platform was proposed, as well as several tools for monitoring the processes in IP networks. The application of IP network modeling platforms to study power electronic devices was also addressed. IP network modeling platforms greatly facilitate both the process of studying IP networks and the process of training professionals to design, install, and maintain different types of IP network. Thanks to the GNS3 IP network modeling platform, it was possible to implement different models of IP networks with different functionalities. It was very easy to determine the answers to posed hypotheses/questions through the capabilities of the IP network modeling platforms. The questions posed by the hypotheses addressed in this paper were answered thanks to the results obtained from the research carried out with the IP network modeling platform GNS3. The present study confirmed that the use of these platforms, in particular the GNS3 platform, for the modeling of IP networks is an excellent substitute for expensive network equipment, and the IP network models created in the platform performed almost like networks made of real devices.