TCP-based M2M traffic via random-access satellite links: throughput estimation

Provisioning of IoT/M2M services over satellite has been experiencing a continuous growth in the last years, which is expected to further increase in the near future so as to meet the demands of users and enterprises. The design of a suitable network architecture is, hence, of paramount importance to properly take into account the requirements imposed by the technology available nowadays and to properly consider the interaction of the so-defined physical layer with transport and application layers. In this light, this paper analyses the use-case of TCP-based M2M services operating over DVB-RCS2 satellite links, where a Contention Resolution Diversity Slotted Aloha access scheme is applied. The main goal of the paper is to provide a thorough understanding of the interactions of TCP and random access schemes, recognised as key elements to enable efficient M2M services over satellite. In this regard, this paper also develops a novel TCP throughput model, which has been validated through extensive simulation campaigns, proving the value of the proposed theoretical framework and its applicability to study the performance of M2M services in more general satellite scenarios.