TCP/IP May Retransmit Packets Prematurely
This article was previously published under Q232512 On This PageSYMPTOMS
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. 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. RESOLUTIONWindows NT Server or Workstation 4.0To 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://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;EN-US;CNTACTMS (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-us;cntactms) Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server EditionTo 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
STATUSMicrosoft 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. 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
APPLIES TO
| Article Translations
|

Back to the top
