Modeling Multiple Access Interference in Ad Hoc Networks Based on IR-UWB Signals Up-Converted to 60 GHz

This paper presents the performance of Impulse Radio Ultra Wide Band up-converted at the 60 GHz band for high rate ad hoc network. Our main concern is the impact of the ad hoc scenario associated with directive antennas on the system performance. Spatial diversity inherent to the ad hoc context, associated with directive antennas, allows good performance. However, performance is limited by multiple access interference (MAI). We propose three different methods to estimate MAI: a non parametric estimation, the Generalized Gaussian and the alpha-stable distributions. MAI is the additive of low interferers´ contributions with a Gaussian like behavior and strong interferers which generate a heavy tail distribution. In this last case, the alpha-stable approach gives better results. We show that material and network constraints can significantly affect the nature of the MAI.