A hybrid technique for accelerated simulation of ATM networks and network elements

Conventional simulation of cell- or packet-switched networks involves the use of discrete event simulators that model each individual cell through the network, typically called cell-level simulation. Each cells arrival at, or departure from, a network element is represented by an event. However, statistical considerations are such that very large numbers of cells have to be simulated to guarantee the accuracy of the results. This has always caused very long simulation times, often amounting to many hours of real time just to simulate a few minutes of simulated time. In this article we describe a novel methodology for accelerating simulation studies in cell-based communication networks, e.g., ATM, by using a hybrid analytical/simulation combination. The methodology uses a mathematical technique to seperate foreground traffic from background traffic, and focuses on accelerating cell by cell simulation.