netdev - Shaping TCP ACK packets

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Date:	Mon, 05 Dec 2011 23:18:03 -0500 (EST)
From:	"John A. Sullivan III" <jsullivan@...nsourcedevel.com>
To:	netdev@...r.kernel.org
Subject: Shaping TCP ACK packets

Hello, all.  I've seen several sites recommend prioritizing TCP ACK packets using tc.  Is that a good idea? I have two reservations:

1) If my line is congested, isn't delaying ACKs a good way to slow down the conversation? Accelerating ACKs under congestion sounds a bit like stuffing more food in my mouth when I'm already choking.

2) By messing with normal coordination of TCP, do I risk making a mess.  Specifically, can I create problems with out of order packet delivery - send an ACK before the packet which should have preceded it? I suppose in a well behaved protocol that wouldn't happen but I'm not sure.  Thanks - John
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