"Does TCP Need an Overhaul?" (internetevolution, via slashdot)

Sat Apr 5 17:49:28 UTC 2008

On Sat, 5 Apr 2008, Kevin Day wrote:

> On Apr 4, 2008, at 8:51 PM, Paul Vixie wrote:
>>
>> 	What is really necessary is to detect just the flows that need to 
>> slow
>> 	down, and selectively discard just one packet at the right time, but
>> 	not more, per TCP cycle. Discarding too many will cause a flow to
>> 	stall -- we see this when Web access takes forever.
>> 	...
>> 
>> i wouldn't want to get in an argument with somebody who was smart and savvy
>> enough to invent packet switching during the year i entered kindergarden,
>> but, somebody told me once that keeping information on every flow was *not*
>> "inexpensive."  should somebody tell dr. roberts?

I suggest reading the excellent page:
"High-Speed TCP Variants":
http://kb.pert.geant2.net/PERTKB/TcpHighSpeedVariants

Enough material there to keep NANOG readers busy all weekend long.

-Hank