The sliding window protocol is used to transmit data in a specific order, with windows of time for sending packets. It ensures reliable transmission and regulates the order of packets, preventing chaos. The amount of information sent should exceed the connection delay for seamless transmission.
The sliding window protocol is a method of transmitting data across a network. It is used when the computer needs to receive packets of data in a specific and reliable order, providing “windows” of time in which data can be sent. Although a sliding window protocol can transmit a theoretically unlimited amount of data, data can only be transmitted through windows that are fixed in time, allowing the computer to more accurately judge the order of packets being sent.
Information sent across a computer network is not sent in one big transmission, but rather in smaller “packets.” Packages are simply small pieces of information that the receiving computer reassembles to build the finished product. A typical jigsaw puzzle idea can be used to illustrate the point; when the puzzle is purchased, the pieces are scattered and taken apart, but can be pieced together to form a final image. Packages work in much the same way.
A sliding window protocol is needed when the receiving computer needs to get the packets in a reliable order. It works a bit like a traffic light that controls an intersection. When the light is green, the sliding window is open and information can flow freely. After sending a round of information, the “indicator light” turns red and no more data can be transmitted for the moment. Once the receiving computer has the packets, it sends a signal acknowledging that it has received the information; this is the signal to send more data down the line.
By constantly stopping and starting the data stream, breaking the transmission into several distinct and measurable pieces, the receiving computer will get the packets in a more regulated order. This can be compared to transmission methods that do not handle data flow. Without constant feedback from the receiving computer to ensure packets are obtained in the correct order, information transmission can quickly become chaotic chaos.
Ideally, the amount of information sent during any single data burst during a sliding window protocol should be greater than the connection line bandwidth delay measurement. Bandwidth delay measurement simply tells you how long it takes for information to flow from one end of the connection to the other. As long as the amount of information sent per burst exceeds this number, the transmission of information will appear seamless from the end user’s perspective; there will be no delay between sending packets using this method.
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