A Survey on Client Throughput Prediction Algorithms in Wired and Wireless Networks

Abstract

Network communication has become a part of everyday life, and the interconnection among devices and people will increase even more in the future. Nevertheless, prediction of Quality of Service parameters, particularly throughput, is quite a challenging task. In this survey, we provide an extensive insight into the literature on Transmission Control Protocol throughput prediction. The goal is to provide an overview of the used techniques and to elaborate on open aspects and white spots in this area. We assessed more than 35 approaches spanning from equation-based over various time smoothing to modern learning and location smoothing methods. In addition, different error functions for the evaluation of the approaches as well as publicly available recording tools and datasets are discussed. To conclude, we point out open challenges especially looking in the area of moving mobile network clients. The use of throughput prediction not only enables a more efficient use of the available bandwidth, the techniques shown in this work also result in more robust and stable communication.