A throughput optimization and transmitter power saving algorithm for IEEE 802.11b links

The IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) standard supports multiple transmission modes. However, the higher mandatory data rate mode does not necessarily yield higher throughput. We show the relationship between the link throughput and the channel´s carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio. We propose a throughput optimization and transmitter power saving (TOTPS) algorithm based on the knowledge of the C/N ratio at the receiver. In particular, we take the approach of adjusting link parameters, like transmitter power and transmission mode, to achieve the maximum throughput at different C/N values. Since this algorithm tends to reduce the transmitter power without degrading the link throughput, transmitter power can be saved. This not only prolongs battery life, which is critical in ad hoc wireless networks, but also reduces the potential interference to neighboring wireless network systems. This algorithm can also be applied to IEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11g links.