Written Assignment Unit 7
University of the People
CS 2204
The Importance of Maximum Packet Lifetime
In networking, the maximum packet lifetime refers to the duration a packet can exist
in the network before being discarded. This lifespan must be extended sufficiently to
guarantee that the packet and its acknowledgments have vanished. This prevents the
processing of outdated information, which can lead to inefficient network
performance and potential security risks.
It is anticipated that a packet will arrive at its destination within the allotted time
when it is dispatched. There is a chance that the packet or its acknowledgment could
be lost or delayed if the maximum packet lifetime is set too low. As a result, it's
possible that the sender won't get an acknowledgment, which would result in needless
re-transmissions and more network traffic. Only pertinent and up-to-date data is
processed by the network thanks to its suitably lengthy maximum packet lifetime.
Disadvantage of Nagle's Algorithm in Congested Networks
Increasing latency is one possible drawback of utilizing Nagle's method on a highly
congested network. Nagle's technique, according to Mitchell (2020), delays data
transmission until a complete packet can be delivered, hence reducing the amount of
tiny packets sent. However, this approach might worsen latency problems in an
already congested network when packets experience delays, resulting in decreased
efficiency and worse network performance, especially for real-time applications that
demand low latency.
Data-Less Packets in Established TCP Connections
TCP may send data-less packets on an established connection for several reasons:
Keep-Alive Mechanism: TCP sends empty packets to check if the connection is still
active and prevent it from timing out.
Window Updates: TCP sends a packet without data to inform the sender that the
receiver's window size has increased and it is ready to accept more data. These data-
less packets help maintain connection integrity and stability without unnecessary data
transfer.
FIN_WAIT_1 and FIN_WAIT_2 States
If multiple TCP connections on a workstation are in the FIN_WAIT_1 state, it
suggests that these connections have initiated the closure process. However, if they
remain in this state for an extended period, it could indicate an issue with the
application or network configuration. This requires investigation to identify and
resolve the underlying problem.
Connections in the FIN_WAIT_2 state indicate that the closing process has started but
has not yet completed. This state can arise from delays in receiving acknowledgment
signals or communication breakdowns between the sender and receiver.
Troubleshooting these connections is essential to determine the cause of the delay and
ensure proper closure.
Conclusion
The maximum packet lifetime is crucial for maintaining efficient network
performance and security. While Nagle's algorithm can optimize data transmission, it
may increase latency in congested networks. TCP uses data-less packets for
mechanisms like keep-alive and window updates to maintain connection stability.
Understanding TCP states, such as FIN_WAIT_1 and FIN_WAIT_2, is essential for
ensuring reliable and stable network connections. Addressing these issues effectively
can improve overall network performance and user experience.
Reference
TCP connections are opened using a three. (n.d.).
https://www.dcs.gla.ac.uk/~lewis/networkpages/m07s03TCPoperation.htm
Mitchell, B. (2020, September 17). An overview of the Nagle algorithm for TCP
network communication. Lifewire. https://www.lifewire.com/nagle-algorithm-for-tcp-
network-communication-817932
