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Performance evaluation plays an important role during the architecture
design, development and implementation stages of a computer network
project. In this paper, a survey of techniques and methodologies
for the modelling, analysis, and design of computer and communication
networks is documented. As a start, the concept, necessity and
importance of the performance evaluation of computer networks are
introduced. Subsequently, the most significant modelling techniques
are highlighted and some relevant representative texts are
identified. To do so, analytical approaches are first investigated
in detail. With this method, mathematical models are required to
approximate and predict the performance beha viour of computer
networks. Second, most of the formal description techniques are
presen ted. These include finite state machines, Petri-nets,
programming languages, abstract model methods, process algebra,
modal logic, and axiomatic methods. Third, some important simu
lation methods and relevant tools are introduced. Fourth, some
emulation approaches are identified. Fifth, significant benchmark
approaches are presented. Finally, hybrid approaches based on
the combination of analytic and simulation/emulation approaches
are highlighted. After that, as a general method, the workload
approach is also investigated.
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