Data Traffic Dynamics and Saturation on a Single Link

TL;DR

This paper analyzes UDP traffic over Ethernet, revealing two regimes—free flow and saturation—driven by packet size and flow rate, with a bifurcation model differing from traditional phase transition theories.

Contribution

It introduces a nonlinear dynamics model showing a transcritical bifurcation in network traffic, contrasting with phase transition models in other systems.

Findings

Identifies free flow and saturated regimes in UDP traffic

Shows transition due to transcritical bifurcation, not phase transition

Provides a foundation for future network dynamics research

Abstract

The dynamics of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) traffic over Ethernet between two computers are analyzed using nonlinear dynamics which shows that there are two clear regimes in the data flow: free flow and saturated. The two most important variables affecting this are the packet size and packet flow rate. However, this transition is due to a transcritical bifurcation rather than phase transition in models such as in vehicle traffic or theorized large-scale computer network congestion. It is hoped this model will help lay the groundwork for further research on the dynamics of networks, especially computer networks.