Delay Performance Optimization with Packet Drop

In this paper, we aim to improve delay performance of an M/M/1 queue by dropping the right packets at the right time. First, for a given dropping budget, we explore the average delay metric and prove that dropping from the head of the queue is optimal. Next, we look into cases where packets have a deadline they need to make. We introduce the concept of gain and propose a policy called "Drop Positive Gain Policy (DPGP)" that increases the percentage of packets meeting their deadline. Finally, some numerical examples are provided to confirm that DPGP outperforms conventional policies.