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TCP/IP May Retransmit Packets Prematurely

Article ID:232512
Last Review:November 1, 2006
Revision:2.4
This article was previously published under Q232512
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SYMPTOMS

When transmitting data over high-delay networks (for example, satellite links), transfer throughput may be lower than expected and the number of packets retransmitted may be unnecessarily high.

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CAUSE

This problem occurs because TCP uses a retransmit timer to retransmit packets that do not appear to have reached the receiver. To set this timer, TCP uses information about the historical Round Trip Time (RTT) for each connection, which it measures by observing the time between sending packets and receiving acknowledgments for them.

The Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 TCP/IP stack incorrectly computes the retransmit timer because of a math error. When transmitting packets over high-delay networks, this can result in unnecessary retransmissions and lower throughput.

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RESOLUTION

Windows NT Server or Workstation 4.0

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT 4.0 or the individual software update. For information on obtaining the latest service pack, please go to:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/servicepacks/ (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/servicepacks/) -or-

152734 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/152734/EN-US/) how to obtain the latest windows nt 4.0 service pack
For information on obtaining the individual software update, contact Microsoft Product Support Services. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services phone numbers and information on support costs, please go to the following address on the World Wide Web:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-us;cntactms)

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Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
152734 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/152734/EN-US/) How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack

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STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition. This problem was first corrected in Windows NT Server version 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 6.

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MORE INFORMATION

The TCP retransmission count can be observed using the Performance Monitor utility or using the "netstat -s" command.

For additional information about this issue as it pertains to Microsoft Windows 95/98, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
236926 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/236926/EN-US/) Windows 95/98 TCP/IP May Retransmit Packets Prematurely

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APPLIES TO
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Developer Edition
Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 Standard Edition

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Keywords: 
kbhotfixserver kbqfe kbbug kbfix kbqfe KB232512

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