Experimental analysis of effects of different network parameters on TCP / IP networks

Today, the Internet is actively used in almost every aspect of life and stands out as an indispensable component of the digital age. With Internet technologies, instant access to information is possible, and global communication processes are significantly simplified. Computer networks are structured by using different topologies depending on their purpose and scale. In this thesis, the use of the preferred Mesh topology in complex and large-scale network structures has been deemed appropriate. Using mesh topology has been a logical choice due to its high connection level and reliability. However, in these mesh topologies it is important that the network performance must be in good condition to provide network security and high efficiency. Therefore, having better system performance is one of the fundamental rules to maintain proficient network management. In the thesis GNS3 simulation environment is used, which is frequently used by network engineers. Thanks to this simulation environment we can investigate various network parameters' performance on TCP/IP based networks, and we are able to compare performances of each parameter with using different routing protocols. In network management, the most common routing protocols are used such as RIP (Routing Information Protocol), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), EIGRP (Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol) and BGP (Border Gateway Protocol). These protocols are analyzed by comparing each one's throughput, packet data volume and their packet loss performances. Statistical data which is acquired by graphs is designed in MATLAB environment. In the conclusion of this thesis, it can be seen that routing algorithms perform differently with respect to consecutive packet data amount. Thus, we can conclude to a study that which routing protocol performs better in which environment and this enables us to make clear judgements for them as well. The main purpose of this study is to monitor different routing protocols in simulation environments and understand differences of their performances. This study may be clarifying the way and can work as a guidebook for those who would like to create real network design.