Essential Criteria for Effective Computer Networks: Performance, Reliability, and Security

Learn about the key design considerations for building robust and efficient computer networks. This guide emphasizes the importance of performance, reliability, and security, providing insights into the factors that contribute to a well-designed network infrastructure.

Essential Criteria for Effective Computer Networks

Introduction

A computer network connects devices to share resources and communicate. Designing a good network requires careful consideration of several key criteria. This article focuses on three fundamental aspects: performance, reliability, and security.

1. Performance

Network performance measures how well a network handles data transmission and processing. Key metrics include:

Key Performance Indicators:

  • Transit Time: Total time to transmit a message.
  • Response Time: Time to process a request and send a response.
  • Throughput: Amount of data successfully transmitted per unit of time.
  • Bandwidth: Maximum potential throughput of the network.
  • Latency (Delay): Time taken for data to travel across the network.

Important Considerations Regarding Network Performance:

  • High throughput and low latency are ideal but often inversely related.
  • Throughput is the actual data rate; bandwidth is the theoretical maximum.
  • Excessive data can cause congestion, limiting throughput even with high bandwidth.
  • Other factors (number of users, hardware, software, transmission media) influence performance.

2. Reliability

Network reliability refers to a network's consistency and dependability. A reliable network operates consistently and recovers quickly from failures. Key aspects of reliability include:

  • Mean Time To Failure (MTTF): Average time until the next failure.
  • Mean Time To Repair (MTTR): Average time taken to fix a failure.
  • Resilience to Catastrophes: Ability to withstand major events (power outages, natural disasters).

3. Security

Network security focuses on protecting data and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Security measures help to prevent data breaches, protect against malware, and maintain the confidentiality and integrity of data. This is especially critical with the ever-increasing number of cyber threats.

Overall Network Goals

Effective networks aim to balance these three criteria:

  • Efficient resource sharing.
  • Scalability and flexibility.
  • Optimal performance (high throughput, low latency).
  • High reliability.
  • Robust security.
  • Support for inter-process communication.
  • Flexible and controlled access for authorized users.

Summary of Key Network Criteria

Let's summarize the essential criteria for building a good network:

  • Performance: Measured by throughput and latency; other factors such as response and transit time are also relevant.
  • Reliability: Measured by its uptime, recovery time, and ability to withstand major failures.
  • Security: Protection against threats, including unauthorized access, malware, and other attacks.