Transmission Control Protocol Performance Monitoring for Simulated Wired University Computer Network using OPNET

Abstract

Computer networks need protocols to govern all transmission and presentation processes. The transmission control protocol (TCP) is one of the most important protocols that have the compatibility to work with all types of computer networks, overcoming all architectural and operating system differences. Nowadays, networks depend on the TCP protocol to control data flow between all types of connected computers, whether it is client or server, over any type of media whether it is wired or wireless networks, for all network topologies. A simulation of a university campus network has been conducted to determine TCP protocol features; those features are taken into consideration as one of the most important network parameters. In all digital networks, the data transmission is not a continuous transmission – instead, it is a discreet transmission, presenting itself as packets. These packets transfer and propagate within the network between computers, and network nodes using the TCP protocol depending on the address, which is embedded in its header. TCP has a great influence on the network speed. The network simulator OPNET provides an easy way of campus design, predicting, and estimating the performance of networks in a university campus environment. In this research, wiredconnections reach all computer network users at fixed points to maintain higher Mbps and ensure reliable communications between all the campus network nodes, as well as to increase the overall network performance taking into account the future expansions for the university campus network design.