Efficient MAC protocol for ultra-wideband networks

Ultra-wideband communication is a promising enabling technology for future broadband wireless multimedia services. A simple and robust medium-access-control (MAC) protocol is of critical importance to utilize the large bandwidth of UWB channels and to enable numerous new applications and services cost effectively. In this article, we introduce an efficient MAC protocol design for both centralized and distributed multihop UWB networks, based on the exclusive region concept. By reserving a small ER surrounding the receivers to assure successful transmissions, the ER-based MAC protocol can exploit the spatial multiplexing gain of UWB networks and enable multiple users to efficiently and fairly share network resources.