An MMPP-based hierarchical model of Internet traffic

In this paper, we propose a MMPP (Markov modulated Poisson process) traffic model that accurately approximates the LRU (long range dependence) characteristics of Internet traffic traces. Using the notion of sessions and flows, the proposed MMPP model mimics the real hierarchical behavior of the packet generation process by Internet users. Thanks to its hierarchical structure, the proposed model is both simple and intuitive: it allows the generation of traffic with the desired characteristics by easily setting a few input parameters which have a clear physical meaning. Results prove that the queuing behavior of the traffic generated by the MMPP model is coherent with the one produced by the real traces collected at our institution edge router under different networking scenarios and loads. Due to its characteristics, the proposed MMPP traffic model can be used as a simple and manageable tool for IP network performance analysis, as well as for network planning and dimensioning.