[net.micro.cpm] MODEM protocol discussion

W8SDZ@mit-mc@sri-unix.UUCP (08/20/83)

From:  Keith Petersen <W8SDZ@mit-mc>

The following file was left on an RCPM system recently.  I am
forwarding it to stimulate possible discussion on it's desirability.
--Keith

--forwarded file--
8/14/83

The  national  network  of Remote CP/M  systems  is  a  fantastic 
resource. Unfortunately, the long-distance communications charges 
can get very expensive.

I live in Hawaii. Even with the lower rates of Long Distance/USA, 
and  calling  only  after  11 at night or on  weekends  the  toll 
averages about $10 per hour.

What really hurts is the inefficiency of the Christensen protocol 
for  these  long-haul connections.  Because  of  the  half-duplex 
nature  of the protocol,  the delay of the hand-shake/answer-back 
operation every 128 bytes -- a transfer takes about 30% longer to 
complete than one made locally.

I'm  sure there are all kinds of reasons for an overhaul  of  the 
Christensen  protocol.  And  I'm  also aware of the  problems  of 
tampering with a defacto standard.  It seems though,  that simply 
by adding an option for 1k "packets" that transfer times could be 
significantly improved. Over the current 128 byte packets.

One-K  packets  is  one possible  solution.  I  would  appreciate 
hearing  from others as to other ideas for reducing  transmission 
times.

Richard Foulk
1396 St. Louis Drive
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816
(808) 735-5013

Chapman.ES@PARC-MAXC.ARPA@sri-unix.UUCP (08/22/83)

I think adding an option to permit larger packet sizes seems a
reasonable approach. This would allow the Christensen protocol to remain
a standard, while giving the user the option to specify larger packet
sizes if he so desires.

Cheryl <Chapman.ES @ PARC-MAXC>