Performance analysis of FDDI token ring networks: effect of parameters and guidelines for setting TTRT

Abstract

Fiber-Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) is a 100-Mbps Local Area Network (LAN) standard being developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It uses a timed-token access method and allows up to 500 stations to be connected with a total fiber length of 200 km.We analyze the performance of FDDI using a simple analytical model and a simulation model. The performance metrics of response time, efficiency, and maximum access delay are considered. The efficiency is defined as the ratio of maximum obtainable throughput to the nominal bandwidth of the network. The access delay is defined as the time it takes to receive a usable token.The performance of FDDI depends upon several workload parameters; for example; the arrival pattern, frame size, and configuration parameters, such as the number of stations on the ring, extent of the ring, and number of stations that are waiting to transmit. In addition, the performance is affected by a parameter called the Target Token Rotation Time (TTRT), which can be controlled by the network manager. We considered the effect of TTRT on various performance metrics for different ring configurations, and concluded that a TTRT value of 8 ms provides a good performance over a wide range of configurations and workloads.