Theory 041/Networks & Telecommunications
Buffers Follow Bandwidth-Delay
The claim
Network throughput collapses when buffer size falls below a critical fraction of the bandwidth-delay product, rather than degrading smoothly.
01The mechanism
A buffer smaller than the product cannot hold a full window, so the sender stalls each round trip and utilisation falls.
02Predictions
- P1Throughput should collapse below a buffer fraction.
- P2Enlarging the buffer should restore throughput abruptly.
03Refutation
Smooth throughput decline with buffer would remove the threshold.