Requirements for Time-Based Loss Detection
RFC 8961 also known as BCP 233

Received changes through RFC Editor sync (created alias RFC 8961, changed abstract to 'Many protocols must detect packet loss for various reasons (e.g., to ensure reliability using retransmissions or to understand the level of congestion along a network path).  While many mechanisms have been designed to detect loss, ultimately, protocols can only count on the passage of time without delivery confirmation to declare a packet "lost".  Each implementation of a time-based loss detection mechanism represents a balance between correctness and timeliness; therefore, no implementation suits all situations.  This document provides high-level requirements for time-based loss detectors appropriate for general use in unicast communication across the Internet.  Within the requirements, implementations have latitude to define particulars that best address each situation.', changed standardization level to Best Current Practice, changed state to RFC, added RFC published event at 2020-11-23, changed IESG state to RFC Published, created alias BCP 233)