1. Engineering
2. Computer Science
3. suppose there is a network forming a star topology where...

# Question: suppose there is a network forming a star topology where...

###### Question details

Suppose there is a network forming a star topology where the center switch connects N users. The switch can process X bits per sec. Each user sends q bits per sec. Answer the following questions.

1. Assuming that the traffic can be modelled as a fluid model, what is the maximum number of users which this network can support without the need of a queue? (Fluid model: Users generate traffic as a continuous stream of input at a constant rate)

2. In this question, we will be using the packet-switching network. Each user will send k packets per sec, each p bits in size where k × p ≈ q. Assume that the switch can queue q bits (i.e. the queue can hold one user’s one second worth of data). Also assume that N is larger than the value you calculated in problem (a). What benefit do users have by splitting their data into small chunks? (Hint: think what will happen if the users send their whole data in one single packet.)