A packet-generation model based on communication characteristics in an Ethernet system

Some communication characteristics of an Ethernet were measured and investigated for the purpose of creating a packet-generating model for use in network characteristics simulations. The communication protocols measured were Telnet, X-Window, NetWare, Apple Talk, and so on. The measured results showed some interesting characteristics for the generated packet-length distribution and the packet-generation spacing depending on the communication contents and the terminal types such as Server and Client terminals. Based on the measured data, a variable packet-length generation model for use in network simulations is created. Some simulated results using the model are shown and differences between the variable and the fixed packet-length models are investigated for the throughput characteristics.