Optimization of transmission schedules in capture-based wireless networks

In this paper, we study transmission strategies in multiple-source, multiple-destination wireless networks. Each source is within communication range of its intended destination. However, packets can cause interference at other destinations. The source nodes are first divided into groups, based on the intended destination of their packets. We initially assume that each group operates according to its own local TDMA schedule, independently of the other groups. Our primary performance measure is throughput, which we define to be the average number of packets that are successfully received per intended destination per time slot. We then develop mathematical methods for evaluating the performance of the network for a given arbitrary schedule. Our results show the impact of schedule, channel fading, receiver noise, and interference on network performance. Next, we exploit network and channel state information such as topology and channel conditions to optimize network performance. In particular, for given channel statistics and topology configurations, we determine a schedule that maximizes the throughput. We show that the network performance can be significantly improved when there is coordination among the groups in the network.