Network Operation Process Research Articles

Key Factors Influencing Network Resilience in Dynamical Networks

There has been much recent research focusing on the resilience of networks, providing theoretical insights into the effective response of real-world systems systems to disasters. However, few studies have analyzed the factors that affect the resilience of networks. And the network operation process varies greatly so that the dynamic behavior of the network is a factor that has to be considered. To bridge these gaps, we analyze the factors affecting dynamic network resilience in terms of network dynamics. There are two main influencing factors: differentiation of failure probability, differentiation of impact. We build a generic resilience model for the network and validate these influencing factors by simulating them in different networks. By summarizing these factors, we point out constructive strategies. These strategies can help dynamic networks enhance network resilience, which is an important criterion for reducing network failures in real-world systems.

Mobile Multiple Sink Path Planning for Large-Scale Sensor Networks Based on Hyper-Heuristic Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm

Large-scale wireless sensor networks consists a terrific amount of nodes, a wide range of deployment, extended data transmission time, and large network energy consumption. To solve the above problems, a mobile multiple Sink path planning based on hyper-heuristic artificial bee colony algorithm is proposed. The artificial bee colony algorithm is used as the high-level strategy. In view of the changes in the network operation process, namely the number of nodes and energy changes, the design of three stages of the artificial bee colony algorithm is used to choose and manipulate the low-level heuristic operator. The selected lower layer operator set plans the path of each mobile sink nodes. Compared with other famous meta-heuristic algorithms, it is proved that the proposed hyper-heuristic algorithm is an effective, efficient and robust algorithm, which can effectively solve the path planning problem in view of multiple sink nodes, reduce network delay and reduce network energy consumption.

Research on Improving the Precision Investment Level of Distribution Network Based on the Whole Process Control Means of Big Data

With the continuous and stable growth of China’s national economy, the demand of the whole society for the total power supply is higher and higher, which requires the power enterprises to continuously improve the power supply. However, if the total power supply is increased, the power enterprises need to invest a lot of power transmission facilities, which requires a huge investment in the distribution network. Therefore, different economic development levels among regions will lead to the difference of distribution network investment, which is also an important content of distribution network investment decision. Therefore, we must control the whole process through big data, which will provide a better evaluation system of distribution network investment benefits. Through the whole process management and control mode, the State Grid can build a systematic and complete distribution network investment decision-making system, which will improve the accuracy of distribution network infrastructure project investment. By analyzing the income ratio, the power grid can get scientific economic investment analysis report. Through big data technology, the power grid can realize a variety of data of distribution network operation, such as maintenance plan optimization, distribution network operation process optimization, project investment income, equipment health status analysis, etc., which can provide auxiliary decision support. Through the three aspects of technical benefit, social benefit and economic benefit, we can evaluate the operation efficiency of equipment, which can construct the index system of project investment benefit. Firstly, this paper constructs the whole process management and control system of distribution network based on big data. Then, this paper constructs the accurate investment index system of distribution network. Finally, some suggestions are put forward.

Research on the Application of Computer P2P Network Technology in Local Area Network

This article analyzes the basic content, application advantages, and infrastructure of computer P2P network technology. The author studies the specific application of computer P2P network technology in application structure, download mode, node function design, overlay network protocol, network data distribution, multiple copy redundancy processing, node failure detection, and copy repair processing. The author studied the countermeasures against hacker attacks, virus transmission problems, and transmission speed problems in the process of technology application. The purpose of this article is to give full play to the application effects of computer P2P network technology and improve the security of the local area network operation process.

The Potential for Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence to Enhance the Transport Sector

This paper outlines research that explores a range of digitally-driven opportunities and challenges in seeking to get cities moving and functioning better; with a focus on the application of Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain technologies. The paper identifies specific potential applications and outlines where such technology can provide tangible benefits for the transport sector and the associated policy and management structures. Specific benefits explored include cost savings (such as digital payment mechanisms, virtual toll collection and congestion charging, capital deferment through greater network utilisation); time savings (from improved transport network operation and management processes); improved operations (such as real-time pay-as-you-drive systems with network differential pricing ability); improved safety (from less collisions and reduced impacts); improved user experience (such as improved platforms and automated payments for parking and bookings); and improved freight and logistics (such as secure storage of time-stamped travel-related data). The paper presents a set of industry partner-preferred use cases such as congestion management, road user pricing, asset management, mobility-as-a-service, and freight logistics. The paper outlines specific opportunities for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain technology to provide value to transport agencies and service providers either individually or in combination. The paper highlights risks and rewards for the transport sector, including a further review of early findings from the application of such technologies in transport sectors around the world. This research has been developed with funding and support provided by Australia’s Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre (SBEnrc) and its partners, and has been presented at the CIB World Building Congress 2019.

Evaluation of characteristics of wireless sensor networks with analytical modeling

In this paper, a mathematical model of the operation process of the ZigBee standard wireless network for remote monitoring systems based on the Markov chain apparatus was developed. Using the model was evaluated of the operation process of the CSMA/CA algorithm of the MAC level of the IEEE 802.15.4 ZigBee standard. The peculiarity of this mathematical model is that it takes into account the level of loading of network elements and potential distortions in the transmitted packets as a result of the influence of interference. Using the developed mathematical model, the main characteristics of the network operation process, such as dependence of the probability of successful transmission of packets on the system load (on the number of nodes), the dependence of the bandwidth on system load (on the number of nodes) for the case where there is noise in the channel and for the absence of noise in the channel were obtained.

Towards a methodological framework for estimating present population density from mobile network operator data

The concept of present population is gaining increasing attention in official statistics. One possible approach to measure present population exploits data collected by Mobile Network Operators (MNO), from simple Call Detail Records (CDR) to more informative and complex signalling records. Such data, collected primarily for network operation processes, can be repurposed to infer patterns of human mobility. Two decades of research literature have produced several case studies, mostly focused on to CDR data, and a variety of ad-hoc methodologies tailored to specific datasets. Moving beyond the stage of explorative research, the regular production of official statistics across different MNO requires a more systematic approach to methodological development. Towards this aim, Eurostat and other members of the European Statistical System are working towards the definition of a general Reference Methodological Framework for processing MNO data for official statistics. In this contribution we report on the methodological aspects related to the estimation of present population density, for which we present a general and modular methodological structure that generalises previous proposals found in the academic literature. Along the way, we define a number of specific research problems requiring further attention by the research community. We stress the importance of comparing different methodological options at various points in the data workflow, e.g. in the geolocation of individual observations and in the inference method. Finally, we present illustrative results from a case-study based on real signalling data from a European operational network, complemented by numerical results from a simple simulation scenario.

Practical Head-Outflow Relationship Definition Methodology That Accounts for Varied Water-Supply Methods

Achieving reliable pressure-driven analysis (PDA) results that account for anomalies within water-pipe networks requires a head-outflow relationship (HOR) model that can calculate supply flow rate according to the supply pressure at each node. Many studies have suggested HOR models, but a methodology to define HORs that considers the actual residential environment of users and differing water-supply methods for residential buildings has not yet been proposed. This study considered water-use data from buildings and actual differences in residential environments in a surveyed area (including building heights, topography, and water systems within buildings) and water-supply methods (indirect/direct water supply, existence of a pump within buildings) to develop a methodology and derive a representative HOR for the target area for PDA. Further, a representative HOR was determined for each block by applying the developed methodology for two blocks with similar residential environments but different water-use patterns. It confirmed that the HOR induced through this process could provide high water-supply performance despite a low supply head and needed to reflect the diversity of the water-supply method. The proposed HOR-definition methodology can be easily applied in water-pipe network design and operation processes and ensure objectivity and rationality of HOR selection to yield reliable PDA results.

Applying the Concept of a Virtual Competitive Window to Determine the Qualitative Performance of a Wireless Network of the 802.11 Standard

The article presents the results of the application of the concept of a virtual competitive window to determine such qualitative indicators as the bandwidth of the wireless network Wi-Fi, delay transmission of the data packet through the wireless channel, the probability of loss of data packet, jitter. Practical calculations was made for a network operating on the 802.11a specification in RST / CST mode, taking into account the collisions occurring on networks with a large number of active stations. The article considers the ideal network. That is, the one that was neglected by the effects of interference and interference occurring in the real wireless network. The paper examines processes in a wireless network with saturated load as quasi-stationary processes. On the basis of such a concept, the parameter named Virtual Competitive Window was introduced. Our research has allowed us to obtain the calculated relations, which establish the unequivocal connection between the system parameters of the network and the stochastic parameters of the network operation process. The results of the research are useful for improving the settlement ratios for determining the parameters of the quality of the 802.11 wireless network in the mode of competitive access. The above calculations do not take into account the effects of interference and interference occurring in the real wireless network. The calculation takes into account the time spent on transmitting the headings and checking blocks provided by the mentioned protocols, as well as the costs associated with the use of the SNAP protocol. The calculation is made for frames with different loads, namely: 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024, 1500 bytes, for networks in which the number of active stations varies from 2 to 14. To calculate the parameters of the network operation, which are provided for signal speed, are used. 24 Mbps (maximum required speed of the 802.11a specification). The calculations are made for cases where the data is transmitted using the protocols TCP and UDP. Chart of network operation in RTS / CTS mode is presented in the article. Thus, the results of the research are graphical dependencies for maximum bandwidth of the 802.11a wireless network in RTS / CTS mode, 802.11a wireless network bandwidth in RTS / CTS mode with allowance for collisions, the dependence of the average latency of data transmission on the 802.11a network in RTS / CTS mode and jitter change curve in a network with a different number of stations in the payload mode of all frames of 64 bytes. Determined that the transmission delay of the data frame depending on the type of multimedia information (small volumes for voice traffic and large for the transmission of digital data) can vary in very wide ranges from 450 to 1300 microseconds, and jitter from 600 to almost 4000 microseconds (for example, files from payload of 64 bytes). The research is relevant because, under ideal transmission conditions, without taking into account signal processing delays by hardware, the maximum bandwidth of the 802.11a network channel in RTS / CTS mode may vary several times compared to the declared 24 Mbps rate. Ref. 4, fig. 5.

Highly Available Dynamic Deployment Algorithm Based on Leader-Follower Mode in SDN

Controller is the core of the Software Defined Network (SDN) network architecture, how to ensure the stability of the network operation process by dynamically deploying controllers is one of the important tasks of the SDN network. This paper proposes a highly available dynamic deployment algorithm based on the leader-follower mode. First, leader and follower controllers are determined through a neighborhood leader controller election algorithm based on Paxos protocol; secondly, the leader controller performs a time optimal allocation algorithm based on load constraint to determine the distribution plan of the switches under the failed controller; finally, the slave controllers perform the switch migration operation according to the distribution result to complete network failure recovery. The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm ensures the controller not overloaded during the fault recovery, and has a lower controller average response delay than other similar algorithms.

Modeling of convergent network operation process

We are studying the convergent network operation process with various types of traffic beingtransferred. As a mathematical model of the convergent network we are using the retrial queuing systemwith the flow of demands of different types. During the modelling we are taking into account such a featureof the information transfer process as the diversity of the input flow and presence of the retries fordata transfer. The formulas determining the transition probabilities of system states have been developed

The improving of the heat networks operating process under the conditions of the energy efficiency providing

Among the priorities it is important to highlight the modernization and improvement of energy efficiency of housing and communal services, as well as the transition to the principle of using the most efficient technologies used in reproduction (construction, creation) of objects of municipal infrastructure and housing modernization. The main hypothesis of this study lies in the fact that in modern conditions the realization of the most important priorities of the state policy in the sphere of housing and communal services, is possible in the conditions of use of the most effective control technologies for the reproduction of thermal networks. It is possible to raise the level of information security Heat Distribution Company, and other market participants by improving business processes through the development of organizational and economic mechanism in the conditions of complex monitoring of heat network operation processes

Managing self‐organizing radio access networks

Self-organizing networks (SON) have appeared as a promising solution for improving network management, performance and flexibility. SON capitalizes on self-x techniques and functions, namely self-planning, self-configuration, self-optimization, self-healing, etc., in order to automate the traditional manual network operation and management processes and eventually to reduce the network operation cost and increase efficiency (higher quality-of-service/experience levels in a more cost-efficient manner). SON has received a lot of attention in recent years by researchers, academics and industrial players worldwide. SON features and functionalities are an integral part of the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) and are considered a vital feature of future radio access networks (RANs). LTE actually rendered SON as a key technology for assisting mobile operators to address challenges associated with the operation and management of their RAN. Despite its significant industrial footprint, SON is expected to continue as a hot research topic in the forthcoming years as it presents more and more challenges and for that reason further research as well as more industrial-oriented solutions are required so as to assist in the faster uptake of the technology. Thus the major goal of this special issue of the International Journal of Network Management is to present innovative approaches and solutions towards this direction. Accordingly, a total of eight submissions were received for this special issue, for which we wish to thank all authors. Each paper received at least three independent reviews from qualified colleagues in the international research community, with expertise in self-organizing, autonomic and radio access networking and management. Four papers were finally selected for publication. These papers present SON solutions in various use cases (mobility management, load balancing, coverage and capacity optimization); they span various domains (LTE, macro and femtocells and UMTS networks), and they were written by authors coming from academia, industry and research institutes. The first paper, ‘zCap: a zero configuration adaptive paging and mobility management mechanism’, by Per Kreuger et al., is based on the ascertainment that cell tracking areas for user mobile localization are manually configured today, hard to adapt to local mobility, and influence several resource usage and quality-of-service metrics. The authors propose a decentralized and self-adaptive approach to mobility management, based on a probabilistic model of local mobility. The second paper, ‘Self-organizing femtocell offloading at the flow level’, by Zwi Altman et al., presents a paradigm of applying SON in femtocell technology. In particular, it describes, models and validates a distributed, self-optimized offloading mechanism for improving capacity in a heterogeneous network with macrocells and femtocells.

Modelling telecommunications network cost reductions by resource sharing—infrastructure sharing, regionalization, centralization, out-tasking, outsourcing, and managed services

Currently, a trend of emerging market “regional champion” telecommunications network operators to spread operations across multiple countries can be observed. Consolidation of such operations becomes mission-critical in order to provide consistently high service levels in a cost-efficient manner. This leads to an increased demand for innovative, cross-country delivery platforms for network operations. Apart from the obvious technical issues, also strategic and economic aspects need to be taken into account when determining the optimal, resource-sharing re-design of network operations processes. Both in-house and outsourcing alternatives should be included in such an evaluation. This paper presents the technical approaches and the strategic and economic impacts of regionalization, centralization and outsourcing of mobile network operations processes. It introduces a quantitative model for assessing economic impacts using both a top-down and a bottom-up approach, applied to a real-world case of a MEA cross-country operator.

The role of management systems in optical/packet convergence

Optical/packet convergence is the process that merges optical transport infrastructure and data networking capabilities. In this paper, we discuss the process, its drivers, and the impact of this convergence on network management systems and overall network operations. We identify the business problem in terms of the challenges to the evolution of network operations. Specifically, we address next-generation transport networks, which have adapted well to the key requirements of packet networking through techniques such as Virtual Concatenation, Generic Framing Procedure, Integrated Ethernet switching, and the Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS) control plane. We also address the wider issue of operations support consolidation across different data networks including integration utilizing a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) core. We consider the different customer environments for which convergence will need operations support system (OSS) solutions and discuss various options that can lead to a viable operations plan. We close the paper with our preliminary recommendations for how operational convergence can be achieved for different network operations processes.