The main objectives defined in the MoU were to develop techniques for the analysis, design and control of advanced multiservice networks supporting mobility, multimedia, and interworking. Principal results concern queuing models, traffic measurement, characterization and modelling in the context of core networks (mostly IP based networks and optical networks) and wireless network (mostly cellular), and also peer-to-peer services and applications. The details of obtained results are well documented in publications in peer-reviewed literature and conference proceedings, a comprehensive book, and also in numerous internal documents. The main achievements of the Action consist in the development of analytical techniques, algorithms, computer tools and traffic measurement methods, pertaining to: * network performance, especially with respect to quality of service QoS, * network protocols, * network topologies and architectures, * traffic modelling for peer-to-peer applications, * economic aspects such as pricing principles and network cost estimation. The results obtained allow for better understanding of network and traffic behaviour and also network/services analysis, planning, design, and optimisation. All major results of the Action, which were first published in journals, conference proceedings (over 150) and temporary documents (over 170), are summarised in a well structured, solid and complete book, published by Springer. An important achievement of the Action is the organisation of two successful Summer Schools targeted for PhD students and young scientists. Considering the objectives of the Action, also the Mid-Term and Final Seminar were very successful. The results of the Action will have a very positive influence on the development of future generation networks and services, especially with respect to methodological aspects. The COST 279 scientific community, which inherited and developed the achievements of previous COST Actions, was an excellent example of benefits of international scientific co-operation within the COST framework. The achievements of COST 279 were outstanding and that, thanks to the action the European research community, may be still considered as the leader in the area of fundamental research pertaining to network modelling, design methodology and performance evaluation, as witnessed by their setting up of Network of Excellence in FP6.
