An access control method using repeaters for multipoint cyclic data gathering over a PLC network

This manuscript proposes a media access control method for a multipoint cyclic data gathering system, in which each node transmits its data to a base-station periodically. In the proposed method, by broadcasted ACK/NACK signals form the base-station, assignment of a proper time slot for each node is ensured once the node succeeds to transfer its data. As a solution of the difference of channel characteristic between each node and the base-station, repeaters are introduced in the proposed system. By observing ACK/NACK signals from the base-station, the repeaters detect packet losses, and repeat the packets to the base-station. It is confirmed that the proposed scheme outperforms the conventional method in packet throughput.