Delayed response protocols for high-delay wireless networks

Abstract

Wireless networks have become more prevalent over the last few years. These networks introduce different types of errors, which are due to the unpredictable nature of the wireless channel. The congestion control algorithms of existing TCP protocols assume packet losses are due to congestion and hence are not suitable to handle such channel errors. In this thesis, we present a novel approach to handle channel errors. Our approach uses the link-level retransmission capability at the base station and deliberately delays the sender's response to any packet loss. It is expected that this delay would allow the link level retransmissions to overcome the channel errors. The transport layer would only have to handle congestion losses after the delay. We have provided the framework for this class of protocols and examined two cases in particular. We have run simulations on the ns-2 platform to show that these protocols can provide better network throughput under various conditions and network settings.