0
\$\begingroup\$

Indeed packet loss is an important metric to use when comparing different communication protocols.

To me it is understandable how one would computer Packet Loss in a unicast transmission. Simply the ratio between the number of sent packets to the destination node vs. the number of received packets by that destination node.

But, how would one compute Packet Loss in a Broadcasting scenario? There is no specific destination. The packet is received by everyone. How to handle such a case?

\$\endgroup\$
7
  • \$\begingroup\$ You have to evaluate the packet loss separately for each receiver. There's no meaningful way to combine the measurements into a single number. However, you could potentially create a coverage map that's based on some sort of "standard" receiver+antenna configuration. \$\endgroup\$
    – Dave Tweed
    Feb 14, 2015 at 19:29
  • \$\begingroup\$ does it make sense if I look at the average packet loss rate for all the nodes in the network? \$\endgroup\$
    – cross
    Feb 14, 2015 at 20:29
  • \$\begingroup\$ You could, but how would that number be useful to you? \$\endgroup\$
    – Dave Tweed
    Feb 14, 2015 at 20:50
  • \$\begingroup\$ for example looking at the overall packet loss (for all nodes) as the number of nodes in the network increases? does this make sense? \$\endgroup\$
    – cross
    Feb 15, 2015 at 11:40
  • \$\begingroup\$ Why would it increase at all? As an extreme example, look at GPS: There are roughly 26 transmitters, but literally billions of receivers, and yet the "packet loss" for any given receiver depends only on that receiver's particular situation. \$\endgroup\$
    – Dave Tweed
    Feb 15, 2015 at 11:48

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1
\$\begingroup\$

Send sequence numbers and look for gaps.

In each packet sent, include a counter value that gets incremented with each packet sent. On the receive side, monitor these numbers. If a packet does not get received, then there will be a gap in the sequence.

\$\endgroup\$
0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.