TCP over low-power and lossy networks: tuning the segment size to minimize energy consumption

TL;DR

This paper presents an analytical model for optimizing TCP segment size and related parameters to reduce energy consumption in low-power and lossy networks, considering error rates and retransmissions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel analytical model that quantifies energy consumption in LLNs and guides parameter tuning for energy efficiency.

Findings

Optimal TCP segment size reduces energy use

Tradeoffs between FEC redundancy and retransmissions identified

Model helps minimize total energy consumption in LLNs

Abstract

Low-power and Lossy Networks (LLNs), like wireless networks based upon the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, have strong energy constraints, and are moreover subject to frequent transmission errors, not only due to congestion but also to collisions and to radio channel conditions. This paper introduces an analytical model to compute the total energy consumption in an LLN due to the TCP protocol. The model allows us to highlight some tradeoffs as regards the choice of the TCP maximum segment size, of the Forward Error Correction (FEC) redundancy ratio, and of the number of link-layer retransmissions, in order to minimize the total energy consumption.