A Framework Model for Packet Loss Metrics Based on Loss Runlengths

For the same long-term loss ratio, different loss patterns lead to different application-level Quality of Service (QoS) perceived by the users (short-term QoS). While basic packet loss measures like the mean loss rate are widely used in the literature, much less work has been devoted to capturing a more detailed characterization of the loss processes. In this paper, we provide means for a comprehensive characterization of loss processes by employing a model that captures loss burstiness and distances between loss bursts. Model parameters can be approximated based on run-lengths of received/lost packets. We show how the model serves as a framework in which packet loss metrics existing in the literature can be described as model parameters and thus integrated into the loss process characterization. Variations of the model with different complexity are introduced, including the well-known Gilbert model as a special case. Finally we show how our loss characterization can be used by applying it to actual Internet loss traces.