Protocol boosters

This paper describes a new methodology for protocol design, using incremental construction of the protocol from elements called “protocol boosters” on an as-needed basis. Protocol boosters allow: (1) dynamic protocol customization to heterogeneous environments, and (2) rapid protocol evolution. Unlike alternative adaptation approaches, such as link layer, conversion, and termination protocols, protocol boosters are both robust (end-to-end protocol messages are not modified) and maximize efficiency (does not replicate the functionality of the end-to-end protocol). We give examples of error and congestion control boosters and give initial results from booster implementations.