The Service Concept Applied to Computer Networks

Government Author: Commerce Department, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) .

Abstract: The Network Measurement System (NMS) represents the implementation of a new approach to the performance measurement and evaluation of computer network systems and services. By focusing on the service delivered to network customers at their terminals, rather than on the internal mechanics of network operation, measurements can be obtained which are directly relevant to user needs and management concerns. Furthermore, the type of measurement necessary to implement this approach can be made directly, without perturbing the network system under test. This technical note introduces the service concept and other background information necessary to understand the need for and use of the NMS. The fundamental distinction between service and internal efficiency is clarified, both in general and in the environment of computer networks. A number of different measures of service are then discussed, followed by the presentation of several models of interactive use of networks. Then, the practical aspects of gathering data and applying this information to service measurement are reviewed, leading to a presentation of the NMS as it is implemented. The note ends with a discussion of applications for the NMS.