Analysis and effects of retransmission mechanisms on data network performance

The paper deals with the analysis of the effects of retransmission mechanisms over the performance of communication networks. Starting with the model studied, we propose an updated routing protocol which takes into account the possibility of packets being dropped and hence retransmitted. We show that, if these effects are taken into account, analytical estimates can be given of the critical load leading to the onset of congestion and the worsening of the network performance. The estimates are shown to be in agreement with the numerical simulations.