SIMULATION: A powerful tool for prototyping telecommunications networks

Simulation models of telecomunication networks are valuable tools for evaluating network performance during the design, development, and operational phases of network life. This paper relates the concepts of discrete event simulation to the context of application to the telecommunication field. A range of software, useful to this enterprise, is discussed, the range extending from general-purpose to very problem-oriented languages. Finally, a primitive network simulation model, using the GPSS simulation language, is presented to illustrate the technique. A basic bibliography, categorized by simulation subject, is included.