choke packet

Choke packets are measures against network overloads. Since data traffic between the node computers is subject to strong fluctuations, the technique of choke pockets is used to remedy the situation.

In distributed data networks, the unsteady data traffic between the node computers, the Interface Message Processors( IMP), can lead to bottlenecks and data congestion if the buffer storage capacity of the individual node computers cannot cope with the traffic that arises. In the most extreme case, it can lead to a deadlock. Since resolving a deadlock is difficult, attempts are made to prevent it from the outset. There are several methods for doing this, but most of them take effect even when traffic is weak, thus reducing data throughput. In contrast to these, the choke packet method only takes effect from a certain upper traffic limit. The technical solution is that an IMP processor that detects the congestion sends a choke packet back to the host, which then reduces its transmission speed. After waiting a certain time, the traffic ischecked again and leads either to a further reduction or to an increase in the transmission speed.