Communication Protocols for High Speed Packet Networks

With the advent of very high speeds, cleaner transmission media and richer mix of applications in packet networks (LANs, MANs, WANs), protocols in the network and in the end systems are undergoing many changes. In this tutorial paper, we discuss these changes at the functional level. The emphasis is on the motivation and functionality. Particular attention is given to the functions of switching and multiplexing, error/loss recovery, receiver flow control and network congestion control. Both the network and the end system protocols are discussed here with a somewhat greater emphasis on the latter.