Analysis of network protocol performance in the context of multi-workstation parallel distributed applications

Abstract

In this paper we conduct a detailed performance analysis of four distinct member protocols from the Internet TCP/IP family, these being the user datagram protocol (UDP), transmission control protocol (TCP), the remote procedure call system (RPC) and data transmission aspects of the network file system (NFS). We discuss the trends in computer development which have led to the widespread use of distributed workstation environments interconnected by local area networks, the motivation for implementing parallel distributed programs on such systems and the impact that protocol-selection can have on the overall efficiency of such an application.