Optimal parameter selection for discrete-time throughput-optimal MAC protocols

Distributed, throughput-optimal medium access control (MAC) protocols have recently been proposed for wireless networks. While the performance of these protocols is well understood in terms of the throughput, simulation studies have shown that their delay performance is very sensitive to the protocol´s parameter values. To address the problem of selecting parameters that minimize the average packet delay, this paper first develops a queueing model to evaluate the delay of a class of discrete-time, throughput-optimal MAC protocols. This model is then used to derive the optimal parameter settings for the MAC protocol. Simulation results are presented to validate the delay model and the parameter selection methodology.