A new method for evaluating the performance reliability of communications network

A new method for evaluating the performance reliability of communications network applications is presented. This new approach to quantify the performance of complex communication networks and services allows for easier identification of measurement sampling points and performance characteristics that most severely affect network applications. First, a hierarchy model of network performance is developed that considers application links´, application paths´, applications´, network´s performance reliability using a bottom-up strategy. Network performance reliability is then measured by the layered performance reliability indices. Closed form expressions for performance indices are derived. The proposed analytical model was validated on a simulation case by OPnet and proved to be very useful for the purpose of performance estimation.