Building a flexible and inexpensive multi-layer switch for software-defined networks
- Authors: Magwenzi, Tinashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Software-defined networking (Computer network technology) , Telecommunication -- Switching systems , OpenFlow (Computer network protocol) , Local area networks (Computer networks)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142841 , vital:38122
- Description: Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a paradigm which enables the realisation of programmable network through the separation of the control logic from the forwarding functions. This separation is a departure from the traditional architecture. Much of the work done in SDN enabled devices has concentrated on higher end, high speed networks (10s GBit/s 100s GBit/s), rather than the relatively low bandwidth links (10s MBit/s to a few GBit/s) which are seen, for example, in South Africa. As SDN is increasingly becoming more accepted, due to its advantages over the traditional networks, it has been adopted for industrial purposes such as networking in data centres and network providers. The demand for programmable networks is increasing but is limited by the ability of providers to upgrade their infrastructure. In addition, as access to the Internet has become less expensive, the use of Internet is increasing in academic institutions, NGOs, and small to medium enterprises. This thesis details a means of building and managing a small scale Software-Defined Network using commodity hardware and open source tools. Core to the SDN Network illustrated in this thesis is the prototype of a multi-layer SDN switch. The proposed device is targeted to serve lower bandwidth communication (in relation to commercially produced high speed SDN-enabled devices). The performance of the prototype multilayer switch had shown to achieve: data-rates of up to 99.998%, average latencies that are under 40µs during forwarding/switching and under 100µs during routing while using packet sizes between 64 bytes and 1518 bytes, and a jitter of less than 15µs during all tests. This research explores in detail the design, development, and management of a multi-layer switch and its placement and integration in small scale SDN network. This includes testing of Layer 2 forwarding and Layer 3 routing, OpenFlow compliance testing, the management of the switch using created SDN applications, and real life network functionality such as forwarding, routing and VLAN networking to demonstrate its real world applicability.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Magwenzi, Tinashe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Software-defined networking (Computer network technology) , Telecommunication -- Switching systems , OpenFlow (Computer network protocol) , Local area networks (Computer networks)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/142841 , vital:38122
- Description: Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a paradigm which enables the realisation of programmable network through the separation of the control logic from the forwarding functions. This separation is a departure from the traditional architecture. Much of the work done in SDN enabled devices has concentrated on higher end, high speed networks (10s GBit/s 100s GBit/s), rather than the relatively low bandwidth links (10s MBit/s to a few GBit/s) which are seen, for example, in South Africa. As SDN is increasingly becoming more accepted, due to its advantages over the traditional networks, it has been adopted for industrial purposes such as networking in data centres and network providers. The demand for programmable networks is increasing but is limited by the ability of providers to upgrade their infrastructure. In addition, as access to the Internet has become less expensive, the use of Internet is increasing in academic institutions, NGOs, and small to medium enterprises. This thesis details a means of building and managing a small scale Software-Defined Network using commodity hardware and open source tools. Core to the SDN Network illustrated in this thesis is the prototype of a multi-layer SDN switch. The proposed device is targeted to serve lower bandwidth communication (in relation to commercially produced high speed SDN-enabled devices). The performance of the prototype multilayer switch had shown to achieve: data-rates of up to 99.998%, average latencies that are under 40µs during forwarding/switching and under 100µs during routing while using packet sizes between 64 bytes and 1518 bytes, and a jitter of less than 15µs during all tests. This research explores in detail the design, development, and management of a multi-layer switch and its placement and integration in small scale SDN network. This includes testing of Layer 2 forwarding and Layer 3 routing, OpenFlow compliance testing, the management of the switch using created SDN applications, and real life network functionality such as forwarding, routing and VLAN networking to demonstrate its real world applicability.
- Full Text:
An investigation of parameter relationships in a high-speed digital multimedia environment
- Authors: Chigwamba, Nyasha
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Multimedia communications , Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer network architectures , Computer network protocols , Computer sound processing , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4725 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021153
- Description: With the rapid adoption of multimedia network technologies, a number of companies and standards bodies are introducing technologies that enhance user experience in networked multimedia environments. These technologies focus on device discovery, connection management, control, and monitoring. This study focused on control and monitoring. Multimedia networks make it possible for devices that are part of the same network to reside in different physical locations. These devices contain parameters that are used to control particular features, such as speaker volume, bass, amplifier gain, and video resolution. It is often necessary for changes in one parameter to affect other parameters, such as a synchronised change between volume and bass parameters, or collective control of multiple parameters. Thus, relationships are required between the parameters. In addition, some devices contain parameters, such as voltage, temperature, and audio level, that require constant monitoring to enable corrective action when thresholds are exceeded. Therefore, a mechanism for monitoring networked devices is required. This thesis proposes relationships that are essential for the proper functioning of a multimedia network and that should, therefore, be incorporated in standard form into a protocol, such that all devices can depend on them. Implementation mechanisms for these relationships were created. Parameter grouping and monitoring capabilities within mixing console implementations and existing control protocols were reviewed. A number of requirements for parameter grouping and monitoring were derived from this review. These requirements include a formal classification of relationship types, the ability to create relationships between parameters with different underlying value units, the ability to create relationships between parameters residing on different devices on a network, and the use of an event-driven mechanism for parameter monitoring. These requirements were the criteria used to govern the implementation mechanisms that were created as part of this study. Parameter grouping and monitoring mechanisms were implemented for the XFN protocol. The mechanisms implemented fulfil the requirements derived from the review of capabilities of mixing consoles and existing control protocols. The formal classification of relationship types was implemented within XFN parameters using lists that keep track of the relationships between each XFN parameter and other XFN parameters that reside on the same device or on other devices on the network. A common value unit, known as the global unit, was defined for use as the value format within value update messages between XFN parameters that have relationships. Mapping tables were used to translate the global unit values to application-specific (universal) units, such as decibels (dB). A mechanism for bulk parameter retrieval within the XFN protocol was augmented to produce an event-driven mechanism for parameter monitoring. These implementation mechanisms were applied to an XFN-protocol-compliant graphical control application to demonstrate their usage within an end user context. At the time of this study, the XFN protocol was undergoing standardisation within the Audio Engineering Society. The AES-64 standard has now been approved. Most of the implementation mechanisms resulting from this study have been incorporated into this standard.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chigwamba, Nyasha
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Multimedia communications , Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer network architectures , Computer network protocols , Computer sound processing , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4725 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021153
- Description: With the rapid adoption of multimedia network technologies, a number of companies and standards bodies are introducing technologies that enhance user experience in networked multimedia environments. These technologies focus on device discovery, connection management, control, and monitoring. This study focused on control and monitoring. Multimedia networks make it possible for devices that are part of the same network to reside in different physical locations. These devices contain parameters that are used to control particular features, such as speaker volume, bass, amplifier gain, and video resolution. It is often necessary for changes in one parameter to affect other parameters, such as a synchronised change between volume and bass parameters, or collective control of multiple parameters. Thus, relationships are required between the parameters. In addition, some devices contain parameters, such as voltage, temperature, and audio level, that require constant monitoring to enable corrective action when thresholds are exceeded. Therefore, a mechanism for monitoring networked devices is required. This thesis proposes relationships that are essential for the proper functioning of a multimedia network and that should, therefore, be incorporated in standard form into a protocol, such that all devices can depend on them. Implementation mechanisms for these relationships were created. Parameter grouping and monitoring capabilities within mixing console implementations and existing control protocols were reviewed. A number of requirements for parameter grouping and monitoring were derived from this review. These requirements include a formal classification of relationship types, the ability to create relationships between parameters with different underlying value units, the ability to create relationships between parameters residing on different devices on a network, and the use of an event-driven mechanism for parameter monitoring. These requirements were the criteria used to govern the implementation mechanisms that were created as part of this study. Parameter grouping and monitoring mechanisms were implemented for the XFN protocol. The mechanisms implemented fulfil the requirements derived from the review of capabilities of mixing consoles and existing control protocols. The formal classification of relationship types was implemented within XFN parameters using lists that keep track of the relationships between each XFN parameter and other XFN parameters that reside on the same device or on other devices on the network. A common value unit, known as the global unit, was defined for use as the value format within value update messages between XFN parameters that have relationships. Mapping tables were used to translate the global unit values to application-specific (universal) units, such as decibels (dB). A mechanism for bulk parameter retrieval within the XFN protocol was augmented to produce an event-driven mechanism for parameter monitoring. These implementation mechanisms were applied to an XFN-protocol-compliant graphical control application to demonstrate their usage within an end user context. At the time of this study, the XFN protocol was undergoing standardisation within the Audio Engineering Society. The AES-64 standard has now been approved. Most of the implementation mechanisms resulting from this study have been incorporated into this standard.
- Full Text:
A proxy approach to protocol interoperability within digital audio networks
- Authors: Igumbor, Osedum Peter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer sound processing , Computer networks , Computer network protocols
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4601 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004852 , Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer sound processing , Computer networks , Computer network protocols
- Description: Digital audio networks are becoming the preferred solution for the interconnection of professional audio devices. Prominent amongst their advantages are: reduced noise interference, signal multiplexing, and a reduction in the number of cables connecting networked devices. In the context of professional audio, digital networks have been used to connect devices including: mixers, effects units, preamplifiers, breakout boxes, computers, monitoring controllers, and synthesizers. Such networks are governed by protocols that define the connection management rocedures, and device synchronization processes of devices that conform to the protocols. A wide range of digital audio network control protocols exist, each defining specific hardware requirements of devices that conform to them. Device parameter control is achieved by sending a protocol message that indicates the target parameter, and the action that should be performed on the parameter. Typically, a device will conform to only one protocol. By implication, only devices that conform to a specific protocol can communicate with each other, and only a controller that conforms to the protocol can control such devices. This results in the isolation of devices that conform to disparate protocols, since devices of different protocols cannot communicate with each other. This is currently a challenge in the professional music industry, particularly where digital networks are used for audio device control. This investigation seeks to resolve the issue of interoperability between professional audio devices that conform to different digital audio network protocols. This thesis proposes the use of a proxy that allows for the translation of protocol messages, as a solution to the interoperability problem. The proxy abstracts devices of one protocol in terms of another, hence allowing all the networked devices to appear as conforming to the same protocol. The proxy receives messages on behalf of the abstracted device, and then fulfills them in accordance with the protocol that the abstracted device conforms to. Any number of protocol devices can be abstracted within such a proxy. This has the added advantage of allowing a common controller to control devices that conform to the different protocols.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Igumbor, Osedum Peter
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer sound processing , Computer networks , Computer network protocols
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4601 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004852 , Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer sound processing , Computer networks , Computer network protocols
- Description: Digital audio networks are becoming the preferred solution for the interconnection of professional audio devices. Prominent amongst their advantages are: reduced noise interference, signal multiplexing, and a reduction in the number of cables connecting networked devices. In the context of professional audio, digital networks have been used to connect devices including: mixers, effects units, preamplifiers, breakout boxes, computers, monitoring controllers, and synthesizers. Such networks are governed by protocols that define the connection management rocedures, and device synchronization processes of devices that conform to the protocols. A wide range of digital audio network control protocols exist, each defining specific hardware requirements of devices that conform to them. Device parameter control is achieved by sending a protocol message that indicates the target parameter, and the action that should be performed on the parameter. Typically, a device will conform to only one protocol. By implication, only devices that conform to a specific protocol can communicate with each other, and only a controller that conforms to the protocol can control such devices. This results in the isolation of devices that conform to disparate protocols, since devices of different protocols cannot communicate with each other. This is currently a challenge in the professional music industry, particularly where digital networks are used for audio device control. This investigation seeks to resolve the issue of interoperability between professional audio devices that conform to different digital audio network protocols. This thesis proposes the use of a proxy that allows for the translation of protocol messages, as a solution to the interoperability problem. The proxy abstracts devices of one protocol in terms of another, hence allowing all the networked devices to appear as conforming to the same protocol. The proxy receives messages on behalf of the abstracted device, and then fulfills them in accordance with the protocol that the abstracted device conforms to. Any number of protocol devices can be abstracted within such a proxy. This has the added advantage of allowing a common controller to control devices that conform to the different protocols.
- Full Text:
A grid based approach for the control and recall of the properties of IEEE 1394 audio devices
- Authors: Foulkes, Philip James
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: IEEE 1394 (Standard) , Computer sound processing , Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Computational grids (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004836 , IEEE 1394 (Standard) , Computer sound processing , Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Computational grids (Computer systems)
- Description: The control of modern audio studios is complex. Audio mixing desks have grown to the point where they contain thousands of parameters. The control surfaces of these devices do not reflect the routing and signal processing capabilities that the devices are capable of. Software audio mixing desk editors have been developed that allow for the remote control of these devices, but their graphical user interfaces retain the complexities of the audio mixing desk that they represent. In this thesis, we propose a grid approach to audio mixing. The developed grid audio mixing desk editor represents an audio mixing desk as a series of graphical routing matrices. These routing matrices expose the various signal processing points and signal flows that exist within an audio mixing desk. The routing matrices allow for audio signals to be routed within the device, and allow for the device’s parameters to be adjusted by selecting the appropriate signal processing points. With the use of the programming interfaces that are defined as part of the Studio Connections – Total Recall SDK, the audio mixing desk editor was integrated with compatible DAW applications to provide persistence of audio mixing desk parameter states. Many audio studios currently use digital networks to connect audio devices together. Audio and control signals are patched between devices through the use of software patchbays that run on computers. We propose a double grid-based FireWire patchbay aimed to simplify the patching of signals between audio devices on a FireWire network. The FireWire patchbay was implemented in such a way such that it can host software device editors that are Studio Connections compatible. This has allowed software device editors to be associated with the devices that are represented on the FireWire patchbay, thus allowing for studio wide control from a single application. The double grid-based patchbay was implemented such that it can be hosted by compatible DAW applications. Through this, the double grid-based patchbay application is able to provide the DAW application with the state of the parameters of the devices in a studio, as well as the connections between them. The DAW application may save this state data to its native song files. This state data may be passed back to the double grid-based patchbay when the song file is reloaded at a later stage. This state data may then be used by the patchbay to restore the parameters of the patchbay and its device editors to a previous state. This restored state may then be transferred to the hardware devices being represented by the patchbay.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Foulkes, Philip James
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: IEEE 1394 (Standard) , Computer sound processing , Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Computational grids (Computer systems)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4594 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004836 , IEEE 1394 (Standard) , Computer sound processing , Digital communications , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques , Computational grids (Computer systems)
- Description: The control of modern audio studios is complex. Audio mixing desks have grown to the point where they contain thousands of parameters. The control surfaces of these devices do not reflect the routing and signal processing capabilities that the devices are capable of. Software audio mixing desk editors have been developed that allow for the remote control of these devices, but their graphical user interfaces retain the complexities of the audio mixing desk that they represent. In this thesis, we propose a grid approach to audio mixing. The developed grid audio mixing desk editor represents an audio mixing desk as a series of graphical routing matrices. These routing matrices expose the various signal processing points and signal flows that exist within an audio mixing desk. The routing matrices allow for audio signals to be routed within the device, and allow for the device’s parameters to be adjusted by selecting the appropriate signal processing points. With the use of the programming interfaces that are defined as part of the Studio Connections – Total Recall SDK, the audio mixing desk editor was integrated with compatible DAW applications to provide persistence of audio mixing desk parameter states. Many audio studios currently use digital networks to connect audio devices together. Audio and control signals are patched between devices through the use of software patchbays that run on computers. We propose a double grid-based FireWire patchbay aimed to simplify the patching of signals between audio devices on a FireWire network. The FireWire patchbay was implemented in such a way such that it can host software device editors that are Studio Connections compatible. This has allowed software device editors to be associated with the devices that are represented on the FireWire patchbay, thus allowing for studio wide control from a single application. The double grid-based patchbay was implemented such that it can be hosted by compatible DAW applications. Through this, the double grid-based patchbay application is able to provide the DAW application with the state of the parameters of the devices in a studio, as well as the connections between them. The DAW application may save this state data to its native song files. This state data may be passed back to the double grid-based patchbay when the song file is reloaded at a later stage. This state data may then be used by the patchbay to restore the parameters of the patchbay and its device editors to a previous state. This restored state may then be transferred to the hardware devices being represented by the patchbay.
- Full Text:
An investigation into the hardware abstraction layer of the plural node architecture for IEEE 1394 audio devices
- Authors: Chigwamba, Nyasha
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: IEEE 1394 (Standard) , Digital communications , Computer sound processing , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer network architectures , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004841 , IEEE 1394 (Standard) , Digital communications , Computer sound processing , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer network architectures , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques
- Description: Digital audio network technologies are becoming more prevalent in audio related environments. Yamaha Corporation has created a digital audio network solution, named mLAN (music Local Area Network), that uses IEEE 1394 as its underlying network technology. IEEE 1394 is a digital network technology that is specifically designed for real-time multimedia data transmission. The second generation of mLAN is based on the Plural Node Architecture, where the control of audio and MIDI routings between IEEE 1394 devices is split between two node types, namely an Enabler and a Transporter. The Transporter typically resides in an IEEE 1394 device and is solely responsible for transmission and reception of audio or MIDI data. The Enabler typically resides in a workstation and exposes an abstract representation of audio or MIDI plugs on each Transporter to routing control applications. The Enabler is responsible for configuring audio and MIDI routings between plugs on different Transporters. A Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) within the Enabler allows it to uniformly communicate with Transporters that are created by various vendors. A plug-in mechanism is used to provide this capability. When vendors create Transporters, they also create device-specific plug-ins for the Enabler. These plug-ins are created against a Transporter HAL Application Programming Interface (API) that defines methods to access the capabilities of Transporters. An Open Generic Transporter (OGT) guideline document which models all the capabilities of Transporters has been produced. These guidelines make it possible for manufacturers to create Transporters that make use of a common plug-in, although based on different hardware architectures. The introduction of the OGT concept has revealed additional Transporter capabilities that are not incorporated in the existing Transporter HAL API. This has led to the underutilisation of OGT capabilities. The main goals of this investigation have been to improve the Enabler’s plug-in mechanism, and to incorporate the additional capabilities that have been revealed by the OGT into the Transporter HAL API. We propose a new plug-in mechanism, and a new Transporter HAL API that fully utilises both the additional capabilities revealed by the OGT and the capabilities of existing Transporters.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Chigwamba, Nyasha
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: IEEE 1394 (Standard) , Digital communications , Computer sound processing , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer network architectures , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4598 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004841 , IEEE 1394 (Standard) , Digital communications , Computer sound processing , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer network architectures , Sound -- Recording and reproducing -- Digital techniques
- Description: Digital audio network technologies are becoming more prevalent in audio related environments. Yamaha Corporation has created a digital audio network solution, named mLAN (music Local Area Network), that uses IEEE 1394 as its underlying network technology. IEEE 1394 is a digital network technology that is specifically designed for real-time multimedia data transmission. The second generation of mLAN is based on the Plural Node Architecture, where the control of audio and MIDI routings between IEEE 1394 devices is split between two node types, namely an Enabler and a Transporter. The Transporter typically resides in an IEEE 1394 device and is solely responsible for transmission and reception of audio or MIDI data. The Enabler typically resides in a workstation and exposes an abstract representation of audio or MIDI plugs on each Transporter to routing control applications. The Enabler is responsible for configuring audio and MIDI routings between plugs on different Transporters. A Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) within the Enabler allows it to uniformly communicate with Transporters that are created by various vendors. A plug-in mechanism is used to provide this capability. When vendors create Transporters, they also create device-specific plug-ins for the Enabler. These plug-ins are created against a Transporter HAL Application Programming Interface (API) that defines methods to access the capabilities of Transporters. An Open Generic Transporter (OGT) guideline document which models all the capabilities of Transporters has been produced. These guidelines make it possible for manufacturers to create Transporters that make use of a common plug-in, although based on different hardware architectures. The introduction of the OGT concept has revealed additional Transporter capabilities that are not incorporated in the existing Transporter HAL API. This has led to the underutilisation of OGT capabilities. The main goals of this investigation have been to improve the Enabler’s plug-in mechanism, and to incorporate the additional capabilities that have been revealed by the OGT into the Transporter HAL API. We propose a new plug-in mechanism, and a new Transporter HAL API that fully utilises both the additional capabilities revealed by the OGT and the capabilities of existing Transporters.
- Full Text:
An investigation into the deployment of IEEE 802.11 networks
- Janse van Rensburg, Johanna Hendrina
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Johanna Hendrina
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Local area networks (Computer networks)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4596 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004839 , Local area networks (Computer networks)
- Description: Currently, the IEEE 802.11 standard is the leading technology in the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) market. It provides flexibility and mobility to users, which in turn, increase productivity. Opposed to traditional fixed Local Area Network (LAN) technologies, WLANs are easier to deploy and have lower installation costs. Unfortunately, there are problems inherent within the technology and standard that inhibits its performance. Technological problems can be attributed to the physical medium of a WLAN, the electromagnetic (EM) wave. Standards based problems include security issues and the MAC layer design. However the impact of these problems can be mitigated with proper planning and design of the WLAN. To do this, an understanding of WLAN issues and the use of WLAN software tools are necessary. This thesis discusses WLAN issues such as security and electromagnetic wave propagation and introduces software that can aid the planning, deployment and maintenance of a WLAN. Furthermore the planning, implementation and auditing phases of a WLAN lifecylce are discussed. The aim being to provide an understanding of the complexities involved to deploy and maintain a secure and reliable WLAN.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Janse van Rensburg, Johanna Hendrina
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Local area networks (Computer networks)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4596 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004839 , Local area networks (Computer networks)
- Description: Currently, the IEEE 802.11 standard is the leading technology in the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) market. It provides flexibility and mobility to users, which in turn, increase productivity. Opposed to traditional fixed Local Area Network (LAN) technologies, WLANs are easier to deploy and have lower installation costs. Unfortunately, there are problems inherent within the technology and standard that inhibits its performance. Technological problems can be attributed to the physical medium of a WLAN, the electromagnetic (EM) wave. Standards based problems include security issues and the MAC layer design. However the impact of these problems can be mitigated with proper planning and design of the WLAN. To do this, an understanding of WLAN issues and the use of WLAN software tools are necessary. This thesis discusses WLAN issues such as security and electromagnetic wave propagation and introduces software that can aid the planning, deployment and maintenance of a WLAN. Furthermore the planning, implementation and auditing phases of a WLAN lifecylce are discussed. The aim being to provide an understanding of the complexities involved to deploy and maintain a secure and reliable WLAN.
- Full Text:
Investigating the viability of a framework for small scale, easily deployable and extensible hotspot management systems
- Authors: Thinyane, Mamello P
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer networks -- Management , Computer network architectures , Computer network protocols , Wireless communication systems , XML (Document markup language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006553
- Description: The proliferation of PALs (Public Access Locations) is fuelling the development of new standards, protocols, services, and applications for WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks). PALs are set up at public locations to meet continually changing, multiservice, multi-protocol user requirements. This research investigates the essential infrastructural requirements that will enable further proliferation of PALs, and consequently facilitate ubiquitous computing. Based on these requirements, an extensible architectural framework for PAL management systems that inherently facilitates the provisioning of multiple services and multiple protocols on PALs is derived. The ensuing framework, which is called Xobogel, is based on the microkernel architectural pattern, and the IPDR (Internet Protocol Data Record) specification. Xobogel takes into consideration and supports the implementation of diverse business models for PALs, in respect of distinct environmental factors. It also facilitates next-generation network service usage accounting through a simple, flexible, and extensible XML based usage record. The framework is subsequently validated for service element extensibility and simplicity through the design, implementation, and experimental deployment of SEHS (Small Extensible Hotspot System), a system based on the framework. The robustness and scalability of the framework is observed to be sufficient for SMME deployment, withstanding the stress testing experiments performed on SEHS. The range of service element and charging modules implemented confirm an acceptable level of flexibility and extensibility within the framework.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thinyane, Mamello P
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer networks -- Management , Computer network architectures , Computer network protocols , Wireless communication systems , XML (Document markup language)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4638 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006553
- Description: The proliferation of PALs (Public Access Locations) is fuelling the development of new standards, protocols, services, and applications for WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks). PALs are set up at public locations to meet continually changing, multiservice, multi-protocol user requirements. This research investigates the essential infrastructural requirements that will enable further proliferation of PALs, and consequently facilitate ubiquitous computing. Based on these requirements, an extensible architectural framework for PAL management systems that inherently facilitates the provisioning of multiple services and multiple protocols on PALs is derived. The ensuing framework, which is called Xobogel, is based on the microkernel architectural pattern, and the IPDR (Internet Protocol Data Record) specification. Xobogel takes into consideration and supports the implementation of diverse business models for PALs, in respect of distinct environmental factors. It also facilitates next-generation network service usage accounting through a simple, flexible, and extensible XML based usage record. The framework is subsequently validated for service element extensibility and simplicity through the design, implementation, and experimental deployment of SEHS (Small Extensible Hotspot System), a system based on the framework. The robustness and scalability of the framework is observed to be sufficient for SMME deployment, withstanding the stress testing experiments performed on SEHS. The range of service element and charging modules implemented confirm an acceptable level of flexibility and extensibility within the framework.
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Distributed control applications using local area networks: a LAN based power control system at Rhodes University
- Authors: Sullivan, Anthony John
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Embedded computer systems , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Linux
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005246 , Embedded computer systems , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Linux
- Description: This thesis describes the design and development of both the hardware and software of an embedded, distributed control system using a LAN infrastructure for communication between nodes. The primary application of this system is for power monitoring and control at Rhodes University. Both the hardware and software have been developed to provide a modular and scalable system capable of growing and adapting to meet the changing demands placed on it. The software includes a custom written Internet Protocol stack for use in the embedded environment, with a small code footprint and low processing overheads. There is also Linux-based control software, which includes a web-based device management interface and graphical output. Problems specific to the application are discussed as well as their solutions, with particular attention to the constraints of an embedded system.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sullivan, Anthony John
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Embedded computer systems , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Linux
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5461 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005246 , Embedded computer systems , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Linux
- Description: This thesis describes the design and development of both the hardware and software of an embedded, distributed control system using a LAN infrastructure for communication between nodes. The primary application of this system is for power monitoring and control at Rhodes University. Both the hardware and software have been developed to provide a modular and scalable system capable of growing and adapting to meet the changing demands placed on it. The software includes a custom written Internet Protocol stack for use in the embedded environment, with a small code footprint and low processing overheads. There is also Linux-based control software, which includes a web-based device management interface and graphical output. Problems specific to the application are discussed as well as their solutions, with particular attention to the constraints of an embedded system.
- Full Text:
Remora : implementing adaptive parallelism on a heterogeneous cluster of networked workstations
- Authors: Rehmet, Geoffrey Michael
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: LINDA (Computer system) , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer networks , Remora (Computer system)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006696 , LINDA (Computer system) , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer networks , Remora (Computer system)
- Description: Computers connected to a local area network are often only fully utilized for short periods of time. In fact, most workstations are not used at all for a significant portion of the day. The combined "idle time" of the workstations on a network constitutes a significant computing resource, which is generally wasted. If harnessed properly, such a resource could constitute a cheap alternative to expensive high-performance computers. Adaptive parallelism refers to the parallel execution of a computation on a dynamically changing set of processors. This thesis investigates the viability of this approach as a vehicle to harness the "idle cycles" available on a heterogeneous cluster of networked computers. A system, called Remora, which implements adaptive parallelism via the Linda programming paradigm, is presented. Experiments, performed using Remora, show that adaptive parallelism provides an efficient vehicle for using idle processor cycles, without having an adverse effect on the tasks which constitute the normal workload of the computers being used.
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- Authors: Rehmet, Geoffrey Michael
- Date: 1995
- Subjects: LINDA (Computer system) , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer networks , Remora (Computer system)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4673 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006696 , LINDA (Computer system) , Local area networks (Computer networks) , Computer networks , Remora (Computer system)
- Description: Computers connected to a local area network are often only fully utilized for short periods of time. In fact, most workstations are not used at all for a significant portion of the day. The combined "idle time" of the workstations on a network constitutes a significant computing resource, which is generally wasted. If harnessed properly, such a resource could constitute a cheap alternative to expensive high-performance computers. Adaptive parallelism refers to the parallel execution of a computation on a dynamically changing set of processors. This thesis investigates the viability of this approach as a vehicle to harness the "idle cycles" available on a heterogeneous cluster of networked computers. A system, called Remora, which implements adaptive parallelism via the Linda programming paradigm, is presented. Experiments, performed using Remora, show that adaptive parallelism provides an efficient vehicle for using idle processor cycles, without having an adverse effect on the tasks which constitute the normal workload of the computers being used.
- Full Text:
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