Analysis of a Simple Feedback Scheme for Error Correction Over a Lossy Network

A control theoretic analysis of a simple error correction scheme for lossy packet-switched networks is presented. Based on feedback information from the error correction process in the receiver, the sender adjusts the amount of redundancy using a so called extremum-seeking controller, which does not rely on any accurate model of the network loss process. The closed-loop system is shown to converge to a limit cycle in a neighborhood of the optimal redundancy. The result is validated using packet-based simulations with data from wireless sensor network experiments.