Measurement-based Performance Model of IP Traffic over 3G Networks

This paper presents a performance model of the throughput variations experienced by IP packets carried over 3G networks. The model parameters were obtained from end-to-end TCP measurements conducted in the university campus served by different 3G networks. Measurement tools were developed and deployed in a 3G mobile phone and a server, allowing us to conduct TCP data transfers in various scenarios. One key observation is that time spent in state 0, corresponding to zero throughput during handoff or rate switching, can last for several seconds. The results have been useful in not only understanding the performance of deployed 3G systems, but also for validating our simulators for evaluating flow or rate control algorithms for new IP-based applications.