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Network Management and Administration: Network Performance Enhancement
Institution of affiliation
IFT 166 - Introduction to Internet Networking
Abstract
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The introduction section of this project defined network performance and provided
background information on network performance enhancement. The literature review provided a
comprehensive understanding of network performance. It states that network performance
enhancement improves services, reduces the time needed, and reduces losses. It also reduces
interruptions; downtime, and it allows for scalability to occur. It points to the common causes of
poor network performance, including complexity in shared resources, equipment and hardware
updates, and the backward compatibility of new equipment. The system architecture provided
explanations and diagrams of peer-to-peer network systems and client-server network systems.
The implementation section outlined and described the implementation process, including
understanding the network, reshaping packet and service quality, and compression data packets.
It includes protocol accelerations to increase speed, out-band management to reduce staff and
system interactions, and installation of Citrix or thin client to reduce performance degradation
and education and participation of employees for appropriate network uses. Network
performance evaluation is conducted through network latency, throughput, bandwidth, and
packet loss. Future work should combine network management and performance enhancement to
increase its scope, add a theoretical framework, and provide an in-depth implementation of
network performance enhancement.
Networking Management and Administration: Network Performance Enhancement
NETWORK PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT 3
Introduction
Network performance is becoming an essential aspect of every business, organization,
government, and even individuals using network systems. As networks grow into complex
systems, the dangers, challenges, and potential complications accompany such complications
also increase (Munir et al., 2020). As a result, the standard network performance the past
performance metrics for measuring the performance of networks have become more unreliable in
measuring it accurately (Munir et al., 2020). It is because the complexity of networks
encompasses diverse factors such as the high-speed nature of the networks. Network
performance is crucial because, without the network’s optimal performance, the business’s
digital foundation begins to fail, leading to performance and financial losses.
It is essential to define what network performance is before delving into its aspects.
According to Tomar and Tyagi (2014), network performance is defined as the quality of services
provided by a network. Imagine some of the costs that emanate from the brand or organizations
when the e-commerce site or the corporate network is down or experiences any form of
unexpected latency. It causes a lot of inconvenience to the organization or the brand. It,
therefore, means that network performance is a crucial aspect of a brand. According to Tomar
and Tyagi (2014), the optimization of organizational networks is an important aspect. IT experts
in every organization strive to analyze network statistics to identify improvement areas and
potential problem elimination. Tomar and Tyagi (2014) add that, in reality, the fine-tuning
process of a network is complicated since every network has a unique structure. It is an aspect
that makes performance optimization in the corporate world complex. Also, Munir et al. (2020)
assert that the complexity of network performance enhancement is brought about by the methods
and tools used in monitoring and measuring it. They do not always provide an accurate state of
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the entire network system. It is, therefore, important for organizations to optimize their network
performance because it offers them an immense advantage.
Related work
Comprehensive understanding of network performance
Network performance enhancement plays a critical role in making the networks serve the
business it is meant to serve in a better way. Studies conducted by Huang and Ma (2019) found
that the performance of a network has the crucial purpose of determining the service quality
delivered to the customers, which makes it a fundamental aspect of a business. On the other
hand, Stabile et al. (2018) indicate that an organization must understand how the data in their
network communicate to analyze its performance, allowing for the destination of its
communication link quality. Furthermore, Huang and Ma (2019) found that the analysis of the
performance of a network is paramount in estimating its performance. It is because inappropriate
network performance and configuration have the effect of causing time, productivity, and
economic hazards and losses.
The enhancement of network performance comes with immense benefits for a business.
In their study, Zhang, Cheng, and Boutaba (2020) found that performance optimization in a
network serves a crucial purpose of delivering essential services leading to better customer
services. Every organization seeks to ensure that its customers receive quality services. A high-
performing network positively impacts such service delivery. Singh and Chana (2016) agree with
the above statement that network performance management leads to the avoidance of
unnecessary interruptions and reduces the time used in troubleshooting. Additionally, in their
studies on network performance enhancement, Akyildiz and Wang (2017) indicate that
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performance enhancement in a network prevents and reduces business losses and downtime. It is
because such downtimes harm customers’ experiences, the processes in the business, and the
productivity of the employees (Akyildiz & Wang, 2017). In agreement with the statement above,
Zhang, Cheng, and Boutaba (2020) also found that network performance enhancement leads to
minimizing the effects on business by detecting faults, avoiding outages, preventing future faults,
and minimizing mistakes of downtimes.
Additionally, conacring network performance enhancement, Verma et al. (2019), in their
studies, articulate that performance enhancement of networks allows businesses to achieve
scalability. Verma et al. (2019) add that as businesses grow, their networks also allow them to
support computing processes, clients, and employees. On the other hand, Brackett et al. (2017)
indicate in their study that networks have become more heterogeneous. Historical data and
scalability are essential in detraining when and where the network capability has been exceeded
to allow for an upgrade. Moreover, a study on network performance enhancement conducted by
Neelaveni (2019) found that the enhancement of network performance benefits from improving
its security. It allows a business to monitor its performance and discover where most of its
resources are used. Additionally, a study on network performance done by Hussain et al. (2021)
indicates that network performance enhancement saves money and time. It eliminates lengthy
investigations eliminating unwanted time wastage and unwanted expenses, allowing businesses
to focus more on other crystal business aspects.
Other studies by Kong et al. (2018) state that a network’s performance enhancement
plays a crucial role in its bandwidth analysis. The bandwidth analysis provided by the network
performance enhancement processes allows a business to avoid performance bottlenecks (Kong
et al., 2018). Kong et al. (2018) also found that it allows it to visualize which gadgets within the
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network system are overusing the bandwidth, minimizing connectivity problems. These are
critical issues facing most of the business today, making network performance enhancement a
necessity for every business. Christodoulopoulos, Tomkos, and Varvarigos (2011) also found
that enjambement of a network’s performance leads to appropriate bandwidth allocation for
traffic crystal to the running of the business as well as the quality of services provided to
customers. Also, in their study, Khan et al. (2019) suggest that performance enhancement in a
network leads to better decision-making through real-time monitoring of the process. Kong et al.
(2018) agree with the statement above, stating that businesses can make better, informed
decisions on improving and balancing network resources. It leads to better decisions on future
requirements and adjustments to improve its overall performance. Lastly, another study by
Petrov et al. (2018) found that network performance enhancement serves to deliver and better
end-to-end network capacity changes and upgrades. All the information is given through the
enhancement process helps organizations plan necessary changes and subsequent migration to
conduct upgrades that improve the network. It is, therefore, evident from the findings of the
studies above that network performance enhancement is crucial for businesses seeking to
improve their bottom-line.
Factors hindering network performance
Just as efficient information management is complex, the improvement of network
performance is not an easy task. Studies conducted by Jain and Routhier (2016) found that
networks are complicated systems resistant to change because networks are a system of shared
resources and various tools operating in unison. Wolski (2018) agrees with the statement above
by stating that network performance contains a pattern of share resources and tools working as a
single unit. The failure of one of these resources and tools brings adverse effects to the whole
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system. These studies point out the reason the management of network performance is not a
cakewalk. There are numerous challenges to optimal network performance. A study conducted
by Shekhar et al. (2017) found that equipment and hardware updates are and time-consuming,
inflating that 75% of organizations included in their study said that updates cost them a lot. Also,
Liu, Lin, and Zhou (2020) found that most organizations that update their equipment and
hardware found it challenging to update whenever an update was released. Such attempts often
led to a broken network. Wolski (2018) agrees that investing in time-consuming and costly
information technology resources is the best solution for organizations to cope with this problem.
Another study by Barzaghi (2018) on network performance and enhancement indicates
that another challenge impacting the optimization of network performance is that new equipment
installation does not guarantee that it will function with the infrastructure existing in the
origination. Organizations want efficient and faster options regarding network performance.
Most vendors in the IT market are ready to provide them. However, Singh and Chana (2016)
assert that the most up-to-date, newest, and networking equipment regarded as the best in the
field is not often backward compatible. The findings from another study by Hobbs (2017)
indicate that when these equipment are not backward compatible, the tools’ ecosystem running
on the network’s infrastructure falls apart quickly. It is a severe problem to the network’s
performance. These conflicting issues push organizations towards the middle of crises. In
contrast, the same organizations require to keep improving their network performance
continuously.
Network System architecture
This section of the project provides the system architecture of a computer network. Chen
and Tien (2017) define a computer network acritude as the design in which computers are
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organized in a given computer network. The system architecture provides a guideline on how
computers should be connected for maximum advantages, including security, scalability, and
response time. There are two common computer network architectures which are Client-server
architecture and Peer Peer (P2P).
Peer to Peer Network Acupuncture
Figure 1: Peer-to-Peer Network Architecture
Source: students.cs.uwaterloo.ca
In this type of network system, all devices are connected to each of the computers. All
computers share the resources since no computer at the center acts as a server for others to draw
data.
The Client-server architecture
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This system architecture contains a central computer that acts as a server or the hub. It
serves the requests of all the other computers. The server computer stores all the data shared by
all the computers connected to it when they make requests (Callaghan et al., 2017). All
communications among the computers in the network must take place through the central
computer or the server. When a client device wants to share data with other devices, it has to
send it to the server, and then it sends it to the other device (Callaghan et al., 2017). Therefore,
the client computers have to send the data to the server or central computer first.
Figure 2: The Client-server architecture
Source: Beginnersbook.com
The implementation of Network Performance Enhancement
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There are numerous ways in which the performance of a network could be improved.
According to Callaghan et al. (2017), network performance downtime and sluggishness are no
longer straightforward as it was before because the network systems have become more complex
every day. The complexity of modern networks emanates from the fact that there are more
degradation and an increase in the probability of resource failures. It is also due to the problems
arising from the wide variety of network types that compete for limited resources (Callaghan et
al., 2017). Additionally, today’s complexity also results from the increase in the number of
network system elements that could be supplemented, managed, plainly tweaked, and replaced
for better performance (Callaghan et al., 2017). However, there is a solution helpful in the
achievement of better network performance. This section of the paper provides an
implementation of network performance on a step-by-step basis.
I. Understanding of the network
The understanding of the network is crucial in the enhancement of the performance of a
network. Munir et al. (2020) state that it allows a network manager to overview what is
happening in a network which leads to the first step of identifying if the network is the real
problem affecting the performance of the business. In this first step, after it has been identified
that the network is the problem, analysis reveals its issues. Munir et al. (2020) state this step is
crucial because it collects information about the network allowing the user to identify and take
an active stance on the problem.
II. Packet and service quality shaping
It is vital that while performing network performance upgrades, the necessary applications in
the system are given priority. Corwin (2019) suggests that packet and service quality shaping
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entail allocating class-based services to the applications in a network. They include service
classes such as gold, bronze, platinum, silver and established policies for each class. These
categories can be assigned to specific packet software, which supports autoconfiguration and
auto-discovery, after which priorities are fine-tuned to meet the needs of an organization
(Corwin, 2019). Optimization is used in combination with services to improve their quality and
packets are reshaped to better the network’s performance.
III. Compression
The use of modern compression algorithms helps address network problems resulting from
the increase in the number of staff, the need for disaster recovery, and location problems.
According to Jain and Routhier (2016), these algorithms, such as Packeteer and Perbit, can
recognize large data patterns stream, leading to better results than traditional algorithm methods.
Also, Jain and Routhier (2016) add that one must combine caching and compression to optimize
the network in this step to meet the application needs. It could be used in combination with TCP
rate control, and compression levels increase the optimization value.
IV. Protocol acceleration
Problems that limit network performance, such as limits to communication speed within a
network caused by satellite links, can be solved through TCP acceleration. It removes such
bottlenecks and allowing the run under nominal speed—another way of achieving protocol
acceleration. Jain and Routhier (2016) say it involves adjusting the packet sizes because the
transfer of large files through a network leads to a blockage of small packets from the interactive
applications.
V. Out of band management
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Some other problems that affect the performance of a network include flipping the wrong
switch, misconfiguration of devices, and dropping network equipment dropping. These
problems can be solved using out-of-band management. Kong et al. (2018) state that the
geographical separation of the system administration employees and data centers, which can
outsource or not, helps in reducing such problems. The out-of-band management encompasses
separate and secure communication paths, which minimizes downtime in the production
infrastructure.
VI. Implementation of technical measures to curb mistimed traffic
Mistimed traffic can clog the performance of a network. It is a common problem in complex
networks and could be addressed effectively to improve performance. Hussain et al. (2021) say it
could be solved using technical measures, including locking down the PCs. It prevents users
from installing software, hence reducing the number of files that change daily. Also, Hussain et
al. (2021) indicate that backup files can be correctly configured to ensure that it respects,
prioritizes missed files, and respects the time window. It can also be done through the use of self-
limiting software, which blends into the bandwidth
VII. Installation of Citrix or thin client
Network performance can be degraded by processes that webify the enterprise’s applications
to improve consistency in the user interface. Hussain et al. (2021) indicate that other processes
such as analysis reports can consume the bandwidth five times more than it is usually consumed.
As a result, it leads to the delivery of a fraction of the standard performance capacity. Petrov et
al. (2018) suggest that thin client or citric is one solution that reduces the data flow amount in the
network.
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VIII. Education through user involvement
It is essential to educate the users on how the performance of a network can be improved.
According to Wolski (2018), inappropriate user behavior leads to the poor performance of a
network. Participation and education of employees allow them to understand the process and the
importance of appropriate behaviors, enhancing the performance of a network. It is a better
method of improving the performance of a network than using harsh rules and standards.
Network Performance Evaluation
The evaluation of network performance can be achieved using network latency, packet
loss, throughput, and bandwidth.
A. Network Latency
After the implementation of network enhancement, there is a need to measure its frequent
latency. Latency is crucial in measuring delays in the network by determining the time required
for data packets to be successfully transferred within it (Cho et al., 2017). When measuring it,
one has to determine the level of latency where a perfectly working network has nearly zero
latency. In doing this measurement, Cho et al., 2017) says considerations required include the
physical distance traveled by the data packets, the end’s fastest route, and the delays caused by
the data processing by the applications and the hardware delays.
B. Packet Loss
Packet loss is defined by Yu et al. (2020) as the number of packets that were transferred
successfully in a network from one point but did not reach the destination. To effectively
measure such losses, data traffic is measured at the sender’s point and the receiver’s point
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involved to get the variation (Yu et al., 2020). It is an effective measure of the performance of a
network because the lost packets are expressed as a percentage of the data packets sent by the
sender. Poorly performing networks experiences data packet losses of 3 percent and above.
C. Throughput and Bandwidth
These evaluation methods work together in measuring the performance of a network.
Bandwidth is defined as the number of data packets that can be transferred from one point to
another within a network at a specific amount of time (Hussain et al., 2020). On the other hand, it
refers to the amount of data successfully transferred saucerful from one point to the other within
a network within a specific amount of time (Hussain et al., 2020). An analysis of throughput
against bandwidth allows for the measurement of the performance of a network. An optimally
performing network has a higher bandwidth higher than the throughput.
Future work
Future work on this topic should cover more aspects of the topic to enhance depth and
detail by extending the scope of the study. For instance, this project focused on network
performance enhancement. Future work could combine network management and performance
enhancement to cover more aspects of computer networking. Also, future work could focus on
increasing the length of the paper to encompass more aspects of network performance
enhancement. For instance, in this research, the length limit limited some aspects of the paper,
such as the implementation section. In this section, more options and methods could be included
since diverse methods of implementing network performance enhancement in an organization.
Future work could also include some thermotical models of computer networking to
enhancement its understanding and implementation.
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Conclusion
. As networks grow into complex systems, the dangers, challenges, and potential
complications accompanying such complications also increase. Network performance is defined
as the quality of services provided by a network. The literature review section of the paper
provided a comprehensive understanding of network performance. It states that network
performance enhancement improves services, reduces the time needed, and reduces losses. It
also reduces interruptions; downtime, and it allows for scalability to occur. It also pointed out the
common causes of poor network performance. They include the complexity of the increase in
shared resources, equipment and hardware updates, and the backward comp compatibility of new
equipment. The system prefecture portrayed the detailed structure of network enhancement. The
i9mpelmentauion section of the research project outlined and described the implementation
process, which included eight steps. These steps included understanding the network where it is
determined if it is the one affecting the performance. Secondly, the reshaping of packets and
service quality is implemented. Thirdly, compression is conducted using modern algorithms.
Fourth, protocol accelerations are done to increase speed. Fifth, out-of-band management is
implemented to reduce staff and system interactions which reduces performance. Sixth, an
installation of Citrix or thin client is implemented to reduce the chances of performance
degradation. Lastly, education through employee participation is done to improve their
understanding and appropriate network uses. Network performance evaluation is conducted by
utilizing network latency, throughput, bandwidth, and packet loss. Future work should combine
network management and performance enhancement to increase its scope, add a theoretical
framework, and provide an in-depth implementation of network performance enhancement.
NETWORK PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT 16
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