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OPNET
Technologies OPNET is a
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Research Using OPNET: Implementing a Multi-Server, Multi-Client Environment Through a Distributed Architecture Modern collaborative tools do not currently lend themselves to a multi-user, multi-server collaborative system that is accessible across multiple networks while remaining platform independent. There are a few examples of collaborative tools designed with multi-server architectures, however, they are either platform dependant or require a common network to support a multicast structure. The focus of this architectural analysis is to evaluate and recommend a multi-server architecture that supports multiple users, is platform independent, and operates using a unicast methodology for a new Web-4M collaborative suite. Performance impacts on collaboration services, such as shared whiteboards (including images), audio and video conferencing, and shared applications are examined as part of this analysis. The ability for cross platform support (Solaris, Windows, etc.) is examined, since users frequently operate across multiple operating systems during their collaborative sessions. An important research area to be analyzed is whether a centralized, replicated, or a new distributed server architecture should be implemented. Another significant design element in this system is the layering of communications. Layers exist between the client and server, and between individual servers. All communications between servers shall be event driven. The state changes for a given collaboration are distributed among events, which are passed between the servers. A key issue associated with any multi-user, and especially with a multi-server, architecture is the successful implementation of access control. The manner in which clients connect to a server within a collaborative system, and how each server manages multi-user settings will also be analyzed. Performance of the proposed architecture is examined by reviewing and designing an architecture to implement multiple servers. OPNET will be used to create virtual network scenarios used to evaluate the overall performance of each scenario. Simulations will be made to evaluate the performance vs. load of multiple network sizes. The goal of this research is to evaluate the efficiency and the flexibility provided when implementing a multi-server architecture in conjunction with Web-4M. This research is being conducted as part of a graduate study.
Courses Using OPNET: Computer Science 335 - Data Communications CPSC335 is an undergrad course designed as an introduction to the basic issues of data communications to include encoding, timing, error-correction/detection, flow control and internetworking. Particular emphasis is given to the understanding of how a client-server application, typical of the internet, utilizes the OSI layered design principles to overcome the basic problems associated with each of these issues. Exposure will also be given to the use of current internet client-server applications to include topics such as WWW development and general network design issues. Lab activities using OPNET are used to emphasis network design issues. Computer Science 336 - Network Management CPSC336 is an undergrad course which utilizes tools and techniques for implementing TCP/IP based networks with an emphasis on UNIX / LINUX. Basic instruction for assembling a computer, loading an OS, configuring hardware are covered. Emphasis is placed on setting up network services for proper functioning of the network to include routing, DNS, an introduction to security issues, and networks with heterogeneous operating systems. Students are required to configure a functioning network. Lab activities using OPNET are used to emphasis network design issues. Computer Science 446 - Network Information Systems CPSC446 is an undergrad course covering techniques and issues for implementation of information servers such as ftp and http in heterogeneous environments. Emphasis is given to the tradeoffs of user access and security. Topics vary to embrace the latest interests. Students are required to implement projects in department labs and give presentations. OPNET will be used as the simulation environment for all lab activities. Computer Science 502 - Data Communications CPSC502 is a graduate course which provides a comprehensive view of data communications. This course encompass principles of encoding, timing, error-detection/correction, flow control and inter-network routing. Additional topics include the OSI model, TCP/IP, analysis and simulation, and client-server application development using socket-based APIs. As part of the analysis and simulation, OPNET will be used as the simulation environment for all lab activities. Computer Science 611 - Design and Analysis of Network Systems CPSC611 is a graduate course focused on network software systems with an emphasis in the various techniques for implementing client-server systems and design of the client-server interaction. Simulation techniques and queueing systems will be introduced for the purpose of analyzing performance. OPNET will be used as the simulation environment for all lab activities.
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