Network Latency Analysis using ICMP under Varying Traffic Conditions
Computer Networks | VIT University, Chennai | Winter Semester 2025–2026 B.Tech CSE | SCOPE Department, VIT Chennai Guided by Dr. SUBBULAKSHMI T INTRODUCTION Network performance is a critical aspect of modern communication systems. Among the various parameters that define network quality, latency — measured as Round Trip Time (RTT) — is one of the most important indicators of how efficiently data travels across a network. This project investigates how ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) based latency behaves under three distinct traffic conditions: normal, medium, and heavy traffic. Using Python-based tools (Scapy) for automated packet transmission and RTT measurement, and hping3 for traffic generation, this study provides a detailed analysis of how congestion affects not just average delay, but also jitter (latency variation) and estimated throughput. The work was carried out in two phases — DA1 involved manual RTT measurement using Wireshark, while DA2 and DA3 extended this to p...