Performance improvement of internet protocols over wireless connections

1. Field of the Invention A system and method for providing improved performance using TCP/IP protocols over wireless networks that can be implemented entirely within the link layer of a protocol stack. The system and method responds to low signal levels caused by weak and fading wireless connections by maintaining throughput and circumventing inappropriate instances of TCP/IP congestion avoidance mode. At least two selectable service protocols, comprising at least one selectable basic error-detecting/correcting protocol and at least one selectable robust error-detecting/correcting protocol, are implemented within link layers of both the mobile station and the base station. A quality of service monitor installed within the link layer monitors signal quality. When the quality of service monitor detects a signal quality that falls below a predetermined threshold or predicts a future signal degradation, the mobile station switches to the robust error-detecting/correcting service protocol and informs the base station of the changeover. The base station similarly switches to the robust error-detecting/correcting service protocol, beginning at a predetermined data frame. If the quality of service rises above a second predetermined threshold, the basic error-detecting/correcting protocols are restored both within the mobile and base stations.