Comparative analysis of the performance of various active queue management techniques to varying wireless network conditions

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the robustness of active queue management techniques to varying load, link capacity and propagation delay in a wireless environment. The performances of four standard controllers used in Transmission Control Protocol/Active Queue Management (TCP/AQM) systems were compared. The active queue management controllers were the Fixed-Parameter Proportional Integral (PI), Random Early Detection (RED), Self-Tuning Regulator (STR) and the Model Predictive Control (MPC). The robustness of the congestion control algorithm of each technique was documented by simulating the varying conditions using MATLAB® and Simulink® software. From the results obtained, the MPC controller gives the best result in terms of response time and controllability in a wireless network with varying link capacity and propagation delay. Thus, the MPC controller is the best bet when adaptive algorithms are to be employed in a wireless network environment. The MPC controller can also be recommended for heterogeneous networks where the network load cannot be estimated.