Title :
Performance of asynchronous data transfer methods of IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol
Author :
Chhaya, Harshal S. ; Gupta, Sanjay
Author_Institution :
Bombay Univ., India
fDate :
10/1/1996 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
The desire to provide universal connectivity for mobile computers and communication devices is fueling a growing interest in wireless packet networks. To satisfy the needs of wireless data networking, Study Group 802.11 was formed under IEEE project 802 to recommend an international standard for WLANs. A key part of the standard is the MAC protocol needed to support asynchronous and time-bounded delivery of data frames. It has been proposed that unslotted CSMA/CA be the basis for the IEEE 802.11 WLAN MAC protocols. We conduct a performance evaluation of the asynchronous data transfer protocols that are a part of the proposed IEEE 802.11 standard, taking into account the decentralized nature of communication between stations, the possibility of “capture”, and presence of “hidden” stations. We compute the system throughput and evaluate fairness properties of the proposed MAC protocols. Further, the impact of spatial characteristics on the performance of the system and that observed by individual stations is determined. A comprehensive comparison of the access methods provided by the 802.11 MAC protocol is done and observations are made as to when each should be employed
Keywords :
IEEE standards; carrier sense multiple access; data communication; packet radio networks; performance evaluation; telecommunication standards; wireless LAN; IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol; IEEE 802.11 standard; IEEE project 802; Study Group 802.11; WLAN; access methods; asynchronous data delivery; asynchronous data transfer methods; asynchronous data transfer protocols; capture; communication devices; data frames; fairness properties; hidden stations; international standard; mobile computers; performance evaluation; spatial characteristics; system throughput; time-bounded data delivery; unslotted CSMA/CA; wireless LAN; wireless data networking; wireless packet networks; Access protocols; Local area networks; Media Access Protocol; Mobile communication; Mobile computing; Physical layer; Spread spectrum communication; Standards development; Wireless LAN; Wireless networks;
Journal_Title :
Personal Communications, IEEE