Implementing the L4S Architecture in the ns-3 Simulator

TL;DR

This paper implements a high-fidelity L4S architecture model in ns-3, enabling reproducible, accurate simulations of ultra-low latency network protocols for research and development.

Contribution

It introduces a complete ns-3 implementation of L4S protocols, including TCP Prague and AccECN, bridging the gap between kernel implementations and simulation environments.

Findings

Simulation faithfully reproduces real-world congestion behaviors

Provides a validated toolset for L4S performance evaluation

Addresses engineering challenges in porting kernel logic to ns-3

Abstract

The demand for ultra-low latency in modern applications, such as cloud gaming and augmented reality, has exposed the limitations of traditional congestion control algorithms regarding bufferbloat. The Low Latency, Low Loss, and Scalable Throughput (L4S) architecture addresses this challenge by combining scalable congestion controls, such as TCP Prague, low-latency queue management with prioritization, and Accurate ECN (AccECN) feedback. Although Linux kernel implementations exist, the research community lacks a complete, high-fidelity model within the Network Simulator 3 (ns-3) for reproducible experiments. This paper presents an implementation of end-host protocols for the L4S architecture in ns-3, focusing on the porting of TCP Prague from the Linux kernel (v6.12) and the integration of AccECN signaling. Significant engineering challenges regarding the adaptation of kernel logic are detailed, particularly the reconciliation of Linux's packet-based arithmetic with ns-3's byte-based architecture for window management and pacing. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model faithfully reproduces the congestion response behaviors observed in real-world testbed scenarios, validating the platform's accuracy. Consequently, this work provides the community with a validated toolset for complex L4S performance evaluations in controlled environments.