A tool for the modelling of network architectures based upon the OSI/RM

The standardisation of the open systems interconnection seven layer reference model (OSI/RM) is now sufficiently complete for the production of commercial implementations. Unfortunately it is not possible to predict the performance of a network based upon the OSI/RM or even determine if a particular implementation is operating at its most efficient. The authors aim at producing a performance model which will enable such a prediction. This performance prediction is based upon a modelling tool which captures the specification of the network under investigation and then employs the appropriate analysis models. The specification model is based upon the construction of a generic network architecture (GNA). The GNA contains within it the basic structure for all network architectures and so in principle can be used for specifying the structure of any network. This information is then used to predict the performance of a network