Home User Group C-MUG Archive Keep Video from Blowing up Your Network, Test Tools, and TCP Goodput
Keep Video from Blowing up Your Network, Test Tools, and TCP Goodput
Written by Terry Slattery   

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For the April 2012 C-MUG, Terry Slattery, CCIE #1026, Principal Consultant, presented three topics. In the first one, he described methods for preventing video from having a big negative impact on the other applications that run on the network. Included in the talk were examples of significant video use that impacted business operations and what was done about them. The methods are applicable to other data sources as well as video.

Terry also discussed network test tools for voice and video networks, including issues with traditional network management systems as well as a discussion on what you should test and monitor for voice and video applications.

In addition to the video discussions, Terry discussed TCP "goodput". When your applications experience packet loss, due to congestion or link errors, do you kbow what is the impact on application performance? It is surprising how a small volume of packet loss will impact TCP's ability to deliver data. TCP performance over long fat pipes is well known, but the impact of packet loss on TCP goodput over these paths is less well known. He discussed the thresholds that network management systems should use for packet loss thresholds in order to assure good TCP throughput and optimum application response.

For PDFs of the presentations, please download:

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