On the performance of the TCP/RLP layers over VBLAST coded schemes

The next generation of wireless communications systems will likely incorporate MIMO techniques in order to provide higher data rate multimedia services. Moreover, the transmission control protocol (TCP) is generally employed at the transport layer for reliable data communication. Thus, the optimization of TCP/RLP performance over MIMO systems is currently an important research area. In this paper, we investigate several VBLAST coded schemes, with different spectral efficiencies, in order to improve the end-to-end TCP performance for client-server and peer-to-peer applications. We evaluate seven coded schemes using convolutional codes with different coding rates and memories. The best transmission strategy for each value of signal to noise ratio (SNR) is determined.