Adaptation in Internet Applications

Title: Adaptation in Internet Applications

Main Research Question: How can Internet applications adapt to changing network conditions to improve user experience and network efficiency?

Methodology: The researchers developed an operating system module called the Congestion Manager (CM), which provides integrated network flow management. The CM exports a convenient programming interface that allows applications to be notified of and adapt to changing network conditions. They implemented and evaluated the architecture and API using TCP, a streaming layered audio/video application, and an interactive audio application.

Results: They found that the applications were able to achieve adaptive behavior without incurring much end-system overhead. All flows, including TCP, benefited from the sharing of congestion information, and applications were able to incorporate new functionality such as congestion control and adaptive behavior.

Implications: The implementation and evaluation of the Congestion Manager (CM) demonstrated that Internet applications can adapt to changing network conditions, improving user experience and network efficiency. The CM's programming interface and architecture provide a framework for applications to share congestion information, promoting cooperation among different flows and alleviating the risk of congestion collapse. This work has significant implications for the design and deployment of Internet applications, particularly those that use custom protocols over UDP.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0104012v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0104012v1