TCP/IPoDWDM: A Case for Adaptive Congestion Control in Optical Networks under Physical Layer Impairments

• Pedro P. P. Filho UFES / IFES
• Arnaldo P. Togneri UFES / IFES
• Moises R. N. Ribeiro UFES
• Marcelo E. V. Segatto UFES
• Everson Scherrer Borges UFES / IFES
• Magnos Martinello UFES

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/wpeif.2025.8764

Abstract

The IPoDWDM-driven network consolidation removes the demarcation between packet and optical layers, clearly increasing management system complexity, but also creating new opportunities. We propose TCP/IPoDWDM as a means to advance this consolidation, taking into account how physical layer impairments affect throughput and fairness depending on the TCP congestion control algorithm in use. This study is the first to explore dynamic congestion control algorithm adaptation at the server or virtual machine level as a potential solution for loss-sensitive applications, such as Data-Intensive Science (DiS). By leveraging Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR) metrics provided by integrated control and management planes, this approach aims to optimize performance during the session establishment phase. We outline the modeling approach, experiments conducted, and directions for future research.

Keywords: TCP/IPoDWDM, TCP Congestion Control, Data-Intensive Science, Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio

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