The Rx Hex [AFS remote procedure call package]

Abstract

Because we like to run the AFS distributed file system on dataless clients at our homes, it is vital that the meager bandwidth available be used effectively. This makes Rx, the AFS remote procedure call package, a critical link in the overall system performance chain. We report on progress in adapting Rx to networks characterized by low bandwidth, high delay, or variable round-trip time. When we started, the throughput delivered by Rx over dialup networks was approximately zero, due to fragmentation and congestion collapse. By making extensive modifications to Rx, focusing on congestion avoidance and control and header compression, we have accomplished our throughput objectives and made Rx a high-performing transport layer.<>