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Objectives
QUIC is a new encrypted-by-default Internet transport protocol that accelerates HTTP traffic and which has the intention to eventually replace TCP. Originally proposed by Google, the IETF is now actively pursuing work to define and standardize a series of RFCs for the first IETF QUIC transport protocol.
Since QUIC transport fully encrypts all transport protocol headers and authenticates the endpoints of a connection, currently widely deployed Performance Enhancement Proxies (PEP) can no longer be used to improve TCP performance.
The real interactions of QUIC using a satellite service have not been fully explored yet. The project objectives are to identify the root causes of any shortfalls in performance of specific QUIC mechanisms, propose changes to the specification, and evaluate the new proposals using a real-time emulation test bed used already for the MTAILS project. The results of this work are contributed as code patches, presentations and direct contributions to the IETF, primarily targeting the QUIC Working Group.
Initially, focus is on QUICv1, where there is still an opportunity to influence standardisation work. After its standardisation, work shall focus on satellite-specific enhancement to be included in QUICv2.
Challenges
Influencing the QUIC standardization process requires a good knowledge of the IETF structure and the standardization processes. Additionally, experience has shown that it is convenient to attend regular IETF standards meetings, as this advances the impact with industry and provides opportunities to receive feedback on research. This is especially important considering that the satellite industry represents only a minor stakeholder within the much larger Internet community participating in the QUIC standardization process, represented by Google, Apple, Microsoft and the like.
System Architecture
In order to evaluate QUIC performance and assess improvements in a realistic environment, the project extension re-uses the test bed developed in the MTAILS project.
This test bed features two emulators: a satellite emulator (based on AINE tool, implementing bandwidth on demand (BoD) assignment protocols and applying satellite delays) and an optional 5G backhaul emulator. Connected to the emulators, we have commercial Performance Enhancement Proxies appliances (performing TCP acceleration and GTP tunnelling when needed), as used in most satellite systems, and, finally, the application clients and servers in real and locally controlled scenarios. These clients / server run the existing QUIC implementations.
Plan
The project is expected to last 19 months and is structured around two parallel tasks.
A first task identifies, defines and evaluates appropriate mechanisms to improve the performance of QUIC when used with paths that include a satellite link. As part of this task, a test campaign is carried out, focusing on specific use cases to foster adoption and stakeholder involvement.
The second task focuses on supporting the standardization of the identified QUIC mechanisms through the IETF, by participating in IETF Hackathons and QUIC WG meetings. It also supports dissemination activities.
Milestones of the project are closely linked to IETF plenary meetings and review project contribution to these meetings.
Current Status
COMPLETED
The project has successfully held its Final Review meeting and has now finalized.
It has actively contributed to the development of QUIC specifications done by the IETF with analysis of new mechanisms and detailed review of the draft specifications, providing feedback on performance issues relating to satellite networks and on implementation experience. It has identified a set of promising extensions that target performance improvements for a path including a satellite system, as a lower ACK ratio or a faster startup mechanism, which would address congestion control limitations that QUIC faces as an end-to-end encrypted transport. It has also addressed other aspects as QUIC flow control, timer management and ways to exchange transport parameters, apart from evaluating the interest for satellite of future QUIC extensions, as multipath QUIC.
QUIC benchmarking and evaluation experiments have been supported by the satellite emulation test bed, which modelled satellite radio resource management mechanisms and supported existing HTTP3/QUIC implementations.
The project has also promoted stakeholder involvement through the organization of two open online workshop (see links below with presented material) and the publication of papers.
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