Understanding the performance of TCP and UDP-based Data Transfer Protocols using EMULAB
Abstract
In this paper, we present a hands-on course project
that explores the performance of data transfer protocols using
a GENI resource. TCP is one of the key topics in networking
courses, and understanding its behavior as well as limitations,
from real experiments, offers an invaluable and deep learning
experience. A protocol's performance is directly impacted by
network parameters such as network bandwidth, delay and
loss. However, it is difficult to control and even vary those
parameters, if it is not evaluated with simulations. GENI facilities
conveniently provide a virtual laboratory that enables us to
control the network settings with real network systems. Through
this educational project, students had an opportunity to control
important network parameters, and measure and compare TCP's
performance with a UDP-based data transfer protocol, UDT,
using EMULAB. Students were enthusiastic to witness the
protocols' performances, and the limitations of TCP under a
high bandwidth delay product network in the presence of packet
loss, and to recognize the importance of protocol design and
system issues for the future Internet.
Citation
First GENI Research and Educational Experiment Workshop, Jointly with the 13th GENI Engineering Conference (GEC 13), March, Los Angeles, CA, 2012.