Sliding Window Protocol in Computer Network
Data link layer protocols known as sliding window protocols are used to transfer data frames in a dependable and consecutive manner. Transmission Control Protocol also makes use of the sliding window. A sender may send more than one frame at a time in this protocol before the recipient acknowledges them. The term "sliding window" describes the hypothetical frame-holding boxes. Windowing is another name for the sliding window technology.
One important computer networking method for managing data flow between two devices is the Sliding Window Protocol. By letting multiple packets be delivered before demanding an acknowledgment for the first, it maximizes the use of available bandwidth and ensures that data is sent consistently and efficiently.
Sliding Window Protocol Types
Sliding window protocols come in two varieties, Go-Back-N ARQ and Selective Repeat ARQ:
1. Go-Back-N ARQ
A system called Go-Back-N ARQ (Automatic Repeat Request) is used in computer networks, especially in the Data Link Layer, to ensure dependable data delivery. This kind of sliding window protocol enables a sender to send up to a window size of frames before requiring acknowledgments from the recipient. The sender will retransmit the lost frame and all following frames in the window if a frame is lost or corrupted, and the receiver will discard it along with any other frames.
2. ARQ Selective Repetition
A data connection layer protocol called Selective Repeat ARQ employs a sliding window method to provide dependable data transfer. Only missing or incorrect frames are retransmitted; successfully received frames are buffered. This method is in contrast to Go-Back-N ARQ, which requires retransmission of all subsequent frames following a missed frame.
Sliding Window Protocol Benefits
- By requiring the receiver to acknowledge receipt of each packet before the subsequent packet can be delivered, the protocol guarantees dependable data transmission. This lessens the chance of data corruption or loss during transmission.
- By modifying the window's size according to network conditions, the sliding window protocol can also aid in the management of network congestion.
- A versatile method, the sliding window protocol can be used for a variety of network topologies and protocols, such as Ethernet, IP, and wireless networks.
- Because it enables numerous packets to be delivered simultaneously, the sliding window protocol is an effective way to send data across a network. The network's overall throughput rises as a result.
Sliding Window Protocol Drawbacks
- Implementing the sliding window protocol can be difficult, and it may need a lot of memory and computing power to function well.
- Because of its overhead, the sliding window protocol might not be able to use the entire network's bandwidth, especially in high-speed networks.
- Because each packet must be acknowledged before the next can be sent, the protocol may cause a delay in data delivery. The network's total latency may rise as a result of this delay.
- The size of the receiver's buffer or the available network resources may restrict the sliding window's maximum size, which may have an impact on the protocol's overall performance.
