Predicting TCP throughput from non-invasive network sampling

Abstract

In this paper, we wish to derive analytic models that predict the performance of TCP flows between specified end-points using routinely observed network characteristics such as loss and delay. The ultimate goal of our approach is to convert network observables into representative user and application relevant performance metrics.The main contributions of this paper are in studying which network performance data sources are most reflective of session characteristics, and then in thoroughly investigating a new TCP model based on [1] that uses non-invasive network samples to predict the throughput of representative TCP flows between given end-points. This material is posted here with permission of the IEEE. Such permission of the IEEE does not in any way imply IEEE endorsement of any of the University of Pennsylvania's products or services. Internal or personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to reprint/republish this material for advertising or promotional purposes or for creating new collective works for resale or redistribution must be obtained from the IEEE by writing to pubs-permissions@ieee.org. By choosing to view this document, you agree to all provisions of the copyright laws protecting it. Abstract-In this paper, we wish to derive analytic models that predict the performance of TCP flows between specified endpoints using routinely observed network characteristics such as loss and delay. The ultimate goal of our approach is to convert network observables into representative user and application relevant performance metrics. The main contributions of this paper are in studying which network performance data sources are most reflective of session characteristics, and then in thoroughly investigating a new TCP model based on [1] that uses non-invasive network samples to predict the throughput of representative TCP flows between given end-points.

On the Goodput of TCP NewReno in Mobile Networks

“…The value of m becomes equal to n for r = d. The value of W 0 does not depend on the value of r, and can be given by Eqn. (9). Again, similar to the analysis performed for developing Eqn (7), we can develop a general equation for the total new data transferred during m th RP.…”

“…Though there exists many TCP throughput models [4], [5], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], none of them incorporate frequent packet reordering or stalling into their models. The analytical modeling of TCP dynamics in the event of packet reordering is an important subject in wireless networks that is missing from the current literature.…”

An Analytic Throughput Model for TCP NewReno

“…Except for the segment loss model, all our assumptions are similar to those in prior work (e.g., [7], [16], [25], [29], [35], [36]). …”

“…Analytic modelling of TCP's congestion-controlled throughput has received considerable attention in the literature (e.g., [3], [5], [7], [10], [16], [22], [23], [25], [27]- [29], [32], [35]- [37]). These analytical models have: (1) improved our understanding of the sensitivity of TCP to different network parameters; (2) provided insight useful for development of new congestion control algorithms for high bandwidth-delay networks and wireless networks; and (3) provided a means for controlling the sending rate of non-TCP flows such that network resources may be shared fairly with competing TCP flows.…”

“…These analytical models have: (1) improved our understanding of the sensitivity of TCP to different network parameters; (2) provided insight useful for development of new congestion control algorithms for high bandwidth-delay networks and wireless networks; and (3) provided a means for controlling the sending rate of non-TCP flows such that network resources may be shared fairly with competing TCP flows. Most of these throughput models are based on TCP Reno [3], [7], [10], [16], [23], [25], [27]- [29], [32], while some models are based on SACK [36], [37], Vegas [35], and NewReno [22]. A detailed NewReno throughput model, however, seems missing from the literature.…”