Nature-based Information Networking: On Exploring Robustness in TCP Inspired by Cellular Signaling

In this paper we will discuss the similarities found in the dynamics of cellular signal transduction networks in nature and that of communication network protocols. Based on the simplified observations from the signaling processes of the cyclin (cln) protein during the cell cycle in yeast, we formulate a generic master equation, which describes the general robustness of the system and can be applied to characterize different variants of the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) such as FAST, Reno, HSTCP, or STCP. By presenting the generalized controller mechanism for describing the dynamics of cln signaling at system level, we infer that any corresponding second order system is similarly controllable. It is our intention that this formulation of a master equation leads to a better quantitative description of the cellular signaling process, as well as to a more robust design of protocols to be applied in new generation network architectures.