Non-congestion packet loss detection for TCP error recovery using wireless links

Abstract

Most commonly used data transfer protocols assume that every packet loss is an indication of network congestion. This interaction between the error recovery and the congestion control procedures results in a low utilisation of the link when there is an appreciable rate of losses due to link errors. This issue is significant for wireless links, particularly those with a long propagation delay. A solution for this problem of inability to separate congestion packet loss from other types of packet loss has been presented and analysed using simulation techniques.