Cross-Layer MAC Design for IR-UWB Networks

In this paper, we address the benefits of controlling the channel access rate of IR-UWB links as regards to the pulse rate (i.e. pulses/sec), the modulation and the error coding rate. We consider a network-centric design approach and quantify the benefits in terms of cumulative network throughput under two competing topologies: peer-to-peer and star-topology. Results obtained by simulation show that our approach outperforms ALOHA in scenarios with high system loads in terms of pulses per second.