Multipath TCP with Single Radio Access Technologies: a Paradox or an Opportunity?

Abstract

This paper addresses the use of Multipath Transmission Control Protocol (MPTCP) in a single Radio Access Technology (RAT) network. Different from other studies where multiple RATs are explored by the MPTCP, a situation that cannot be always guaranteed, due to lack of coverage for example, in this work we assess and evaluate the capability of MPTCP to operate over a single RAT environment. With a vehicular network as use case, we show how the IEEE 802.11p interface is shared among the multiple logical links created between the On-Board Unit (OBU) and the several Road Side Units (RSUs) in its range, supporting the different MPTCP subflows. The results, obtained through experimentation with real vehicular networking hardware, show that MPTCP allows for seamless handovers, ensuring continuous, stable and efficient communication in highly mobile environments.