Multi-channel MAC for ad hoc networks

This paper proposes a medium access control (MAC) protocol for ad hoc wireless networks that utilizes multiple channels dynamically to improve performance. Our proposed protocol enables hosts to utilize multiple channels by switching channels dynamically, thus increasing network throughput. The protocol requires only one transceiver per host, but solves the multi-channel hidden terminal problem using temporal synchronization. Our scheme improves network throughput significantly, especially when the network is highly congested. The simulation results show that our protocol successfully exploits multiple channels to achieve higher throughput than IEEE 802.11.