Nagle's Algorithm - Negative Effect On Non-small Writes

Negative Effect On Non-small Writes

The algorithm applies to data of any size. If the data in a single write spans 2n packets, the last packet will be withheld, waiting for the ACK for the previous packet. In any request-response application protocols where request data can be larger than a packet, this can artificially impose a few hundred milliseconds latency between the requester and the responder, even if the requester has properly buffered the request data. Nagle's algorithm must be disabled by the requester in this case. If the response data can be larger than a packet, the responder must also disable Nagle's algorithm so the requester can promptly receive the whole response.

In general, since Nagle's algorithm is only a defense against careless applications, it will not benefit a carefully written application that takes proper care of buffering; the algorithm has either no effect, or negative effect on the application.