TCP Optimizer v.2 - Beta

[Philip]

I'd like to announce a public beta testing for the TCP Optimizer version 2. Note that this is a temporary link to a beta release, and you should use it only at your own risk, after having a current backup of your Registry, and only if you are confident you know what you're doing.

With that disclaimer out of the way, there are some bug fixes and a number of new tweaks added since version 1, and we've tried to work out all known bugs in the program. It now includes a preview of all registry changes after hitting "Apply changes" and before editing the Registry as well. Here is a link to the current version (link has been updated to the Final Version 2 of the program):

http://www.speedguide.net/files/TCPOptimizer.exe

We're also adding documentation with this release, that can be accessed here: http://www.speedguide.net/tcpoptimizer.php Please note the list of changes and additions in the documentation as well.


What we're looking for is for users to go over the different options in the program and look for any odd problems. We're particularly interested in how it runs in Novell Netware environment (there was a minor Registry permissions issue with version 1, that I hope we've fixed with this release). Also, we're looking for any permissions problems with writing to the Registry on servers, workstations, with different Windows versions and non-trivial networks.

We'd appreciate all feedback, comments, and suggestions. Questions are welcome as well. We'd like to hear about any problems you might experience with it. Please post in this thread, or email me.

Please stay on topic in this thread.

Thanks,

Philip

Edit (04.11.2005): Fixes/changes in Beta 7:
- fixed PPPoE MTU selection in General Settings tab
- fixed Export of custom settings not to inclute MTUs for all NICs
- added more connection speed settings to the slider bar
- added text and tooltip to indicate current selected speed setting to the slider.
- rounded down the optimal RWIN algorithm recommendations for BDP values over 250000 (a bit more conservative RWIN recommendations on the high end).
- fixed Windows 9x NIC issue

Edit (04.14.2005): Fixes/changes in Beta 8:
- Fixed Tos/QoS keys (they were not added, just changed)
- extremely large MTU no longer locks the program.
- RWIN and a couple of other settings limits checked properly.
- Fixed initial RWIN value when entering "Custom settings" mode
- Updated logo to facilitate different colors.
- Fixed a remaining Windows 9x bug (not always seeing some current settings).

Edit (04.15.2005) Fixes/changes in RC1 (Release Candidate 1)
- added a check in the preferences menu to enable editing in the Registry tab.
- changed the default RWIN in Custom settings mode

[Philip]

Don't everyone speak at once, lol. Any thoughts at all ? Anyone care ?

[thepieman]

Everytime I try to download it , it gets to 393K and stops. I downloaded it fine at home I don't know why it refuses to download here at my store.

Pie

[Philip]

sounds like packet loss or something similar... I can always email it to you if you want. Anyone else having issues downloading it ?

[Illini25]

Don't everyone speak at once, lol. Any thoughts at all ? Anyone care ?

Of course we care!!

I downloaded it and made a few changes that I didn't have. My speeds are right at their caps!

[CableDude]

Ph, Does it automatically detect your connection speed when you first start it? The slider was on 3000 when I opened it. That is my speed.

[thepieman]

sounds like packet loss or something similar... I can always email it to you if you want. Anyone else having issues downloading it ?

That would be great! Thanks!

pieman00001 at yahoo dot com


Pie

[morbidpete]

no issues here...applied it...havnt restarted yet

[JawZ]

Ok, how bout once and for all you explain why you like the big rwin values.

I used it...but I also put in my own rwin value based on the formula.

[Philip]

Of course we care!!

I downloaded it and made a few changes that I didn't have. My speeds are right at their caps!

Thanks for caring and the feedback It seemed like I was talking, er. typing to myself here for a while.

Ph, Does it automatically detect your connection speed when you first start it? The slider was on 3000 when I opened it. That is my speed.

No, it just defaults at 3000 kbps, picked it as an average broadband conneciton. Sorry

That would be great! Thanks!
pieman00001 at yahoo dot com
Pie

emailed

[Philip]

Ok, how bout once and for all you explain why you like the big rwin values.

I used it...but I also put in my own rwin value based on the formula.

It uses the BDP to recommend RWIN values. For maximum latency, it uses 500ms by default, which is editable from the preferences menu. For the bandwidth it uses the number in the slider bar... And the rest is explained below.

According to the RFCs, RWIN values over 65535 can only be even multiples of the unscaled RWIN number...

Here is the reasoning and steps to get an optimal RWIN correctly:

1. You want a fairly large unscaled RWIN that is multiple of MSS, it ends up being about 1460 x 44 = 64240 (for MTU=1500). That is the largest value under 65535 that is multiple of MSS. You want a large unscaled RWIN value, so that even non-RFC1323 devices can interpret a sizeable RWIN. 65535, or the unscaled RWIN limit is significant, because in the original TCP headers there are only 16 bits for the RWIN value, with a maximum of 2^16, or 65535 (if you count from 0).

2. To get larger RWIN values, TCP 1323 Options introduces a multiplier for that "unscaled RWIN" from 1. above. It is only a single number, and the operation is bit shift... In other words it multiplies the unscaled RWIN by powers of two.

To be compatible with the RFC, to have the correct and only possible values in the TCP headers, you have to use these operations. All other RWIN values are internal to Windows, or are achieved by greatly reducing the unscaled RWIN value. To optimize both the unscaled and Tcp1323 RWIN values, the above logic should be used...

I hope this makes sense. It's not only about liking, rather being compatible with the RFCs, and using an optimal number as well. The only two numbers in TCP/IP packet headers are the unscaled RWIN value (with a maximum of 65535) and the multiplier described above.

P.S. If you must, to get smaller recommended RWIN values, you can try reducing the maximum latency in the preferences to 300ms or so.

[MadDoctor]

I downloaded it and put it on three of my machines. Comparing my down/up speeds, they seem to be a little closer to my caps and more stable. I like that. Additionally I like seeing what changes are done. Nice revision Philip. It might be a beta to you but it’s a final to me.

[JawZ]

I have a very fast (low latency) connection with high bandwidth. 5Mbit down and 768kbit up.

My average ping times are in the 60's. So when I do the computation it comes up with a value of 37960. I'm really lucky in that Comcast has a pertty well oiled infrastructure here in NJ. It almost seems that as long as I keep a RWIN value below 64240....I hit my caps and then some. If I goto a really large RWIN....it's wasted and I really strat to slow down....to speeds of a 3Mbit connection. It's that noticeable.

I'd pay you for a custom (advanced) tweaking tool. Something that might incorporate the use of a RAM drive and other little things. More of a collection of tools it you will. I think your core audience is ready.

One more thing....when I calculate my RWIN based on the BDP formula...I ping the sites I visit, because really, that is what matters to me, the performance to the sites I goto. I could care less about that college in Hawaii lol.

I've always used your stuff almost exclusively but for me....take me to the next level. I know you have some stuff up there in that big brain of yours...I say unleash the beast.

Like this is one of my favorite RECENT areticles of yours:

http://www.speedguide.net/read_articles.php?id=1404


I know you could incoprporate these tweaks into the Optimizer (advanced).

[mccoffee]

Thanks for caring and the feedback It seemed like I was talking, er. typing to myself here for a while.



No, it just defaults at 3000 kbps, picked it as an average broadband conneciton. Sorry



emailed

i belive it assumes your on a 3mb because the average for the states is most people are on 3mbs

[Cypher]

I just saw this.
I backedup my registry and I'm trying it out. I like the new features in this version allot.
I set my rwin to 108960 for a 6Mbs down line with 150ms lat. So far it seems like it's doing it's thing here too. :2cool:
I like it allot. Great work so far Philip.

[CableDude]

When I open it up is it supposed to pick up my current settings? It's not and my network adapter is not showing up.

[Cypher]

I'm not sure what happened but my connection kept dropping. When I restored my registry all was fine agian. I wish I knew what caused it so I could help you out here.

[Philip]

I'm not sure what happened but my connection kept dropping. When I restored my registry all was fine agian. I wish I knew what caused it so I could help you out here.

Can you try again and verify this ? It does not make much sense for it to have this effect, that's why I'm asking.

[Izzo]

[Philip]

When I open it up is it supposed to pick up my current settings? It's not and my network adapter is not showing up.

What Network Adapter exactly are you using ? Does the TCP Optimizer v.1 recognize it ? What Operating System are you running ?

You can always choose "Modify all network adapters", but I'd still like to know and correct any possible bugs.

Also, what do you mean by it "not picking up your current settings" ? Some of the settings are not in the Windows Registry by default, that does not mean the program is not picking them up, they simply have to be added to change the values from the Windows defaults.