Such a system can be used to provide the Internet service to both an individual user and small business more economically. The satellite system is used to construct a high speed simplex distribution system, while the return path needed for the Internet service is provided using a low speed terrestrial network. These issues are being investigated by simulation supported by practical field trials. A TCP ACK indicates both a previously transmitted packet has left the network and the receiver will accept more data. During the slow start phase, the transmission rate is constrained by the former factor, and when the cwnd is sufficiently open, the transmission rate is constrained only by the later factor.
Network congestion has a serious impact on connections with a high bandwidth and delay.
The need for the SACK extension to reduce this effect will also be examined.