Transport Protocol Performance Over Concatenated Local Area and Satellite Networks

Abstract

The spectrum of computer network technologies now covers a wide range of characteristics. Local area networks and satellite networks have characteristics that can be considered to be at opposite ends of the spectrum. The direct interconnection of such networks results in various incompatibilities, particularly in the area of internetworking protocol implementations. This paper considers the interconnection of a Cambridge Ring with the narrow-band satellite network SATNET. The paper starts by comparing the basic network characteristics and then considers the effects on internetworking protocol implementation strategies and the differing requirements for implementation tuning. Following a description of the measurement approach taken, performance results are discussed for end-to-end protocol operation over the individual and concatenated networks.

Measurements above the network datagram level show the performance limitations of such an internetwork configuration. Measurements above the transport level indicate the required resolution of implementation parameters, show the effectiveness of of real-time implementation tuning and reveal the conflicting performance tradeoffs when dealing with end-to-end protocols over concatenated local area and satellite networks.