Optimal size of data packets in computer networks

Abstract

The degree of influence of data packet size on message latency in wide area computer networks is examined. Based on some queueing models and related calculations, it is shown that the influence in question is not univocal; there are many cases where segmentation is not appropriate even for relatively large message sizes. Accordingly, a methodology is proposed for determining the optimal size (in terms of minimum latency) of packets depending on factors such as: performance and load of routers and data transfer channels, bit error rate, number of “source-destination” hops, etc.