Network traffic or data traffic is the amount of
data
Data ( , ) are a collection of discrete or continuous values that convey information, describing the quantity, quality, fact, statistics, other basic units of meaning, or simply sequences of symbols that may be further interpreted for ...
moving across a
network at a given point of time.
Network data in
computer network
A computer network is a collection of communicating computers and other devices, such as printers and smart phones. In order to communicate, the computers and devices must be connected by wired media like copper cables, optical fibers, or b ...
s is mostly encapsulated in
network packet
In telecommunications and computer networking, a network packet is a formatted unit of Data (computing), data carried by a packet-switched network. A packet consists of control information and user data; the latter is also known as the ''Payload ...
s, which provide the load in the network. Network traffic is the main component for network traffic measurement, network traffic control and simulation.
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Network traffic control - managing, prioritizing, controlling or reducing the network traffic
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Network traffic measurement - measuring the amount and type of traffic on a particular network
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Network traffic simulation - to measure the efficiency of a communications network
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Traffic generation model
A traffic generation model is a stochastic model of the traffic flows or data sources in a communication network, for example a cellular network or a computer network. A packet generation model is a traffic generation model of the packet flows o ...
- is a stochastic model of the traffic flows or data sources in a
communication
Communication is commonly defined as the transmission of information. Its precise definition is disputed and there are disagreements about whether Intention, unintentional or failed transmissions are included and whether communication not onl ...
computer network
A computer network is a collection of communicating computers and other devices, such as printers and smart phones. In order to communicate, the computers and devices must be connected by wired media like copper cables, optical fibers, or b ...
.
Proper analysis of network traffic provides the organization with the
network security as a benefit - unusual amount of traffic in a network is a possible sign of an attack. Network traffic reports provide valuable insights into preventing such attacks.
Traffic volume
Traffic volume is a measure of the total work done by a resource or
facility, normally over 24 hours, and is measured in units of
erlang-hours. It is defined as the product of the average
traffic intensity and the time period of the study.
:Traffic volume = Traffic intensity × time
A traffic volume of one erlang-hour can be caused by two
circuits being occupied continuously for half an hour or by a circuit being half occupied (0.5 erlang) for a period of two hours. Telecommunication operators are vitally interested in traffic volume, as it directly dictates their revenue.
References
{{SIA
Networks