An evaluation of IEEE 802 protocols and FDDI in real-time distributed systems

Abstract

An overview is provided of each of the alternate computer networking standards, specifically the IEEE 802 protocols and fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), which can be used effectively in real-time distributed systems. An analysis is given to provide a comparison of their relative strengths and weaknesses in supporting real-time distributed systems. A model is developed to provide the means to investigate the performance of each individual standard in terms of the number of messages that are transmitted successfully and the number of messages that cannot be transmitted prior to their deadlines. Fine tuning of the network parameters is discussed as well as the conditions under which each individual standard operates most efficiently.<>