Collision-Free Asynchronous Multi-Channel Access in Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper, we present a collision-free asynchronous multi-channel access protocol for Ad Hoc wireless networks using a single transceiver. Our protocol, dubbed AMMAC for Asynchronous Multi-channel Medium Access Control, targets low-cost and low-power deployments where nodes are equipped with a single transceiver. Other distinguishing features of AM-MAC include its simplicity and the fact that it does not require temporal synchronization among nodes. This is accomplished through an asynchronous split phase together with an observation phase as well as an unique handshake. Nodes observe the control channel for a period of time before asynchronously switching to the negotiated channel. Protocol correctness and collision-freedom in a multi-channel environment are verified. We also provide an analytical throughput assessment for our multi-channel approach. Simulation results show that AM-MAC improves performance significantly when compared to IEEE 802.11 and exhibits comparable performance to MMAC, one of the well-known multi-channel medium access control protocols, without the need for temporal synchronization.