Energy-based throughput analysis of packet radio networks

The increasing use of wireless technology utilizing unlicensed frequency bands calls for more in-depth analysis of interference and coexistence between systems. In this paper a framework is presented for detailed analysis of the performance of coexisting networks in shared frequency bands. The framework allows for multiple packet lengths to be used by the communicating devices and the analysis is performed with respect to the received interfering energy, which in effect leads to a link budget analysis on a packet basis. A system of interfering Bluetooth piconets is analyzed to illustrate the use of the framework and the conceptual difference in basing the analysis on link budgets, rather than on packet collisions. Furthermore, some indications on throughput saturation in the analyzed Bluetooth system are presented.