Methodology
In order to obtain meaningful results, the complex object of research has to be analytically split up into functional areas. This is done by distinguishing four logical building blocks within the system:
Each area is characterized by specific influences and dependencies.
Infrastructure and Performance
The Internet as a global medium is physically created by linking a fairly large number of separately managed sub-networks, so called autonomous systems. Analyzing this network of mutual dependencies gives an indication of possible bottlenecks and weaknesses and also provides an estimation of future development trends regarding the infrastructure.
Availability and Quality of Experience
The mere existence of a service such as e-mail, instant messaging or IP-TV is not suitable to measure the degree of quality and usefulness.
In real-life scenarios, technical parameters like bandwidth and latency are crucial aspects that determine the quality of experience. To get the whole picture, a myriad of values have to be captured and analyzed over time.
Usage Estimation
Today, various channels and devices are used to access the Internet.
In addition to traditional notebook and desktop PCs, connected via DSL or cable modem, the use of mobile services via smartphones and tablets is becoming increasingly important. With future trends like home automation and smart grids, entirely new classes of devices will be linked to and communicate over the network.
Security Issues and Threats
Malware and malicious activity on the Internet are evolving challenges of modern computing. While traditional attacks were limited in range, mostly affecting local resources, today's attack scenarios significantly increased in scale and scope. Sophisticated tools and methods have to be developed to meet future requirements and to face new security threats that modern information technology has to deal with.
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