TCP-Like Protocol Simulation with Sliding Window & Retransmissions

Overview

This project simulates a simplified TCP-like protocol for reliable data transmission. It uses a client-server architecture to ensure efficient and orderly communication with key mechanisms like sliding window, segmentation, acknowledgments (ACKs), timeout-based retransmissions, and out-of-order handling. The project is designed to handle real-world challenges like packet loss, disorder, and delays while providing packet-level analysis through .pcapng files.

Features • Sliding Window Protocol: Ensures controlled data flow between client and server. • Timeout and Retransmissions: Handles packet loss and ensures message delivery. • Segmentation and Reassembly: Splits large messages into smaller packets for transmission. • Out-of-Order Packet Handling: Buffers packets to maintain correct sequence. • Configurable Parameters: • Message size • Window size • Timeout duration • Packet-Level Analysis: Provides .pcapng files for deeper insights into communication behavior.

Requirements • Python 3.6 or higher • Wireshark (optional, for packet analysis)

Files • client.py: Client-side implementation of the protocol. • server.py: Server-side implementation of the protocol. • .pcapng Files: Packet captures for analyzing communication scenarios. • input.txt: Configurable parameters like message size, window size, and timeout. • Assignment3-Report.pdf: Detailed documentation of the implementation and analysis.

How to Run 1. Clone the Repository:

git clone https://github.com/baruhifraimov/TCP-Like-Protocol-Simulation-with-Sliding-Window---Retransmissions.git

2.	Start the Server:

python server.py

3.	Run the Client:

python client.py

4.	Configure Parameters:
•	Choose between manual input or reading from input.txt.
5.	Analyze Communication:
•	Use .pcapng files with Wireshark for detailed analysis.

Examples

Example Input (input.txt):

message:"DOR AND BARUH LOVE TO CODE" maximum_msg_size:5 window_size:5 timeout:5

Example Workflow: • The client sends a message, splitting it into packets based on the maximum_msg_size. • The server acknowledges received packets, handling out-of-order and lost packets. • Retransmissions are triggered if timeouts occur.

Use Cases • Learn and understand TCP fundamentals. • Simulate network scenarios like packet loss, reordering, and timeouts. • Analyze packet behavior using Wireshark.

Contributors • Baruh Ifraimov • Dor Cohen

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.