Cross-Layer Schemes for TCP Performance Improvement in HetNets for High-Speed Trains

GEO satellite communication systems are an efficient approach for broadband Internet provision on high-speed trains, but some work is still needed to allow a seamless service. This paper deals with improving the TCP performance using vertical handovers (based on MIH) from the satellite to a terrestrial wireless segment (hybrid network) and viceversa to cover tunnels. We have shown that TCP goodput behavior and convergence time can be improved by means of suitable accelerated TCP versions or with cross-layer methods. This work has been carried out within the framework of ESA SatNEx III NoE (Contract RFQ/3-12859/09/NL/CLP).