Factors in interprocess communication protocol efficiency for computer networks

This paper considers the efficiency of interprocess communication protocols for distributed processing environments such as computer networks. Previous research has emphasized system performance at lower levels, within the communication medium itself, while this work examines requirements and performance of protocols for communication between processes in the Host computers attached to the communication system. Efficiency primarily concerns throughput and delay achievable for communication between remote processes. Various aspects of protocol operation are analyzed, and protocol policies concerning retransmission, flow control, buffering, acknowledgment, and packet size emerge as the most important factors in determining efficiency. Several graphs showing quantitative performance results for representative situations are included.