Congestion Control Algorithms Simulation in TCP under User Mode Linux

Abstract

Experimenting with protocols and application services under TCP/IP requires a costly laboratory infrastructure which must be updated periodically, considering the high dynamics of the area and the rapid technological obsolescence of involved devices. On one hand, we must create multiple network topologies and subnets composed by tens of computers. On the other, we need to be sure our labs are available to workgroups in order to share configurations and
test results. A better alternative, which improves the quality of teaching, is through the use of virtualization technologies for interconnecting computers and devices, enabling the construction of complex network scenarios with no other
requirement than a middle cost server. In this direction, this paper shows how to experiment with algorithms in TCP congestion control using virtual topologies built in User Mode Linux (UML). UML is a technology that enables multiple
virtual Linux kernel-based systems to run as an application within a normal Linux system.