What is network congestion control and why is it important?

What is network congestion control and why is it important?

Network congestion control refers to techniques used to manage data traffic in a network to prevent overload. It's crucial because it ensures efficient data transmission, reduces packet loss, and improves overall network performance.

How does congestion control work in TCP?

In TCP, congestion control works through algorithms like Slow Start, Congestion Avoidance, Fast Retransmit, and Fast Recovery. These algorithms adjust the rate of data transmission based on network conditions to avoid congestion.

What are some common algorithms used for congestion control?

Common algorithms include TCP Tahoe, TCP Reno, and more recent ones like BBR (Bottleneck Bandwidth and Round-trip propagation time). Each has its own approach to managing congestion.

Can you explain the difference between congestion control and flow control?

Yes! Congestion control manages the overall traffic in the network to prevent overload, while flow control regulates the data transmission rate between sender and receiver to ensure that the receiver can handle the incoming data.

What impact does network congestion have on user experience?

Network congestion can lead to slower internet speeds, increased latency, packet loss, and interruptions in service, all of which negatively affect user experience.