Loss synchronization and router buffer sizing with high-speed versions of TCP
Sofiane Hassayoun, David Ros · 2008
In this paper we are interested in looking at packet loss synchronization, and the related issue of buffer sizing, when the bulk of the traffic is composed of a moderate number of flows using high-speed versions of TCP. In particular, we wanted to explore whether increased levels of synchronization would be an outcome of using more aggressive versions of TCP over high-bandwidth paths. By means of ns-2 simulations, we have evaluated several TCP versions and a wide range of buffer sizes, as well as three different drop synchronization metrics. Our preliminary findings suggest that high-speed versions of TCP do yield higher levels of synchronization. However, in spite of a strong drop synchronization, such TCP versions can achieve both high goodput and link utilization, as long as enough buffering is provided.