Authors:
Angel A. Juan
1
;
Pau Fonseca
1
;
Joan M. Marquès
1
;
Xavi Vilajosana
1
and
Javier Faulin
2
Affiliations:
1
Open University of Catalonia, Spain
;
2
Public University of Navarre, Spain
Keyword(s):
Modelling & Simulation, Distributed Systems, Network Implementation Choices.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Enterprise Information Systems
;
Information Systems Analysis and Specification
;
Modeling of Distributed Systems
Abstract:
In this paper we present a case study regarding the modelling and simulation of a real computer system called Castelldefels. This system gives support to the Virtual Campus of the Open University of Catalonia (UOC), an online university that offers e-learning services to thousands of users. After analyzing several alternatives, the OPNET software was selected as the convenient tool for developing this network-simulation research. The main target of the project was to provide the computer system’s managers with a realistic simulation model of their system. This model would allow the managers: (i) to analyze the behaviour of the current system in order to discover possible performance problems such as bottlenecks, weak points in the structure, among others, and (ii) to perform what-if analysis regarding future changes in the system, including the addition of new Internet-based services, variations in the number and types of users, changes in hardware or software components, etc.