# Development Methodology:

The methodology that we used in the development of our project, the Data Link Simulator, is System Development Life Cycle (SDLC). SDLC is the overall process of developing information systems through a multi step process from investigation of initial requirements through analysis, design, implementation, review and maintenance. In this methodology, all the phases or processes will follow each other sequentially while at the same time generating an incremental contribution to the final system. Figure 1 shows the overview of the SDLC which illustrates our processes for constructing the Data Link Simulator.

Basically, the reason we had chosen to adopt SDLC as our development methodology is because SDLC assure our system with better features. The 7 phases or steps which is arranged in a sequence make our system more organized, consistent and more manageable. In addition, adoption of SDLC contributes to higher quality than other available methodologies. By using SDLC, it is also possible to complete some activities in one phase in parallel with some activities of another phase.

In the initiation phase, we had done a feasibility study on the project, established a high-level view of the intended project and determine its goals. After the study completed, we have evaluated the relevant factors involved in a problem, considered preliminary alternative solutions, and recommended a definite course of action.

The following phase after the completion of initiation phase was the analysis phase. In this phase, we had a detailed and thorough understanding of what the new system must do, defining requirements for the proposed system as well as gather information regarding the technical aspects of the various techniques which have to be implemented into our system. that is flow control, error detection and error control. Besides that, every member had done necessary preliminary and academic research as well as surveys in order to get the most important and relevant information for the production of the Data Link Simulator.

The next phase was the design phase, where both user specification and all updated and/or additional detailing of hardware, software, procedures, and documentation needed for actual implementation was encompassed. In addition, the design of interfaces for the simulator, data flow diagrams and flowcharts was carried out.

After the completion of the design, the system was implemented in the implementation phase. The activities involved coding or translating all the equations metrics that we obtained from the previous researches into a program. Besides that, user manuals were prepared to assist and prepare the user for the system. Then, the whole online documentation is finalized and the working system is installed respectively. The implementation strategy that we are going to implement for our system is pilot changeover.

In review phase, the entire system was tested for a few times to ensure it did not contain any bugs or errors which may affect or degrade the performance of the system. Other than that, we also considered whether our system meets the requirements, evaluated the successes and failures during the development of this project, and measured the results of the Data Link Simulator.

Finally, the last phase of SDLC was the maintenance phase. In this phase, necessary fixes and enhancement will be done to maintain the system. After our evaluation, we found out that the system does not require major changes. However, enhancements may be needed in the future if errors do occur or if there is a need for change.

Figure 1: Overview of the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

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