Re: [9fans] Nagle algorithm

[Dan Cross <cross@math.psu.edu>]

In article <87oflu5gez.fsf@becket.becket.net> you write:
>Well, this is overstated.  The Nagle algorithm (which we should be
>calling "slow start") is actually hugely important on the net as a
>whole; it's the Right Thing, albeit it's wrong for certain kinds of
>rapid response RPC transactions.  But for the *vast* majority of IP
>packets, it's completely right.

Well, Nagle is a localized optimization, essentially.  Slow start is
very different.  I fail to see why it's the right thing to put it in
the TCP if the host can handle essentially the same thing at a different
layer.  For instance, bio would accomplish most of what I'd want Nagle
to do, but not force the policy on me.

>And, incidentally, it's not optional; the Host Requirements RFC's,
>IIRC, require it.

As Forsyth said, it's recommended, but not required.

>> i claim it's not the TCP/IP subsystem's responsibility to delay
>> sending something so that it can buffer up writes to make larger
>> packets.  that's for stdio or bio (or local OS equivalent).
>
>Sadly, that's not adequate for lots of good reasons, too much to go
>into here, but it has been considered, and it's just not enough.

I'm sorry, but I'm afraid that explanation is not adequate.

	- Dan C.