EFCNT: An evaluation framework for computer's network topologies

Abstract

A combination of any computer's devices which are linked together in facilitating and supporting knowledge sharing is known as a computer network. Moreover, information sharing and networking are playing a significant role in changing the manner of human life. In networking, the nodes which connected together in any computer network; is called by computer network topology, these topologies like star, ring, bus, mesh, tree, and hybrid. Besides, the evaluation of such topologies plays a significant role in developing and utilizing the topologies based on the needs. Undoubtedly, the state of art shows a lot of studies was researched, investigated, and contributed in the field of computer network topologies. However, the evaluation methods, frameworks guidelines, or approaches to evaluating such topologies is missing. In the context of this paper, an evaluation framework (EFCNT) to evaluate the computer networks topologies was proposed. Consequently, this framework is composed of eight attributes: usability, flexibility, cost, troubleshooting, performance, installation, data transmit, and speed. The expert review technique via focus group was used to validate the proposed framework in terms of relevancy of its components and understandability. The findings from the framework validation show the proposed framework is workable in terms of relevancy of its components and understandability. Finally, the proposed framework was used to evaluate some types of network topologies.