High Speed Internet Access Using Satellite-Based DVB Networks

Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) provides the opportunity for high-speed Internet delivery direct to user’s homes and offices. Most applications require full duplex communication, and the return path from the user to the Internet will be provided using lower speed terrestrial connections. Two challenges are presented when using DVB for high-speed Internet access: the poor performance of TCP over network paths with a high bandwidth delay product (LFN) and the impact of asymmetric network paths. The second effect is most significant and results in a problem, which we have termed “ACK congestion”. The performance of TCP using a DVB satellite link is analysed through simulation and a set of echniques is proposed which provide significant improvement.