Optimal MAC-layer fairness in 802.11 networks

This paper covers the MAC sublayer fairness in the 802.11 networks. We first summarize the basic sublayer functionality specified by the 802.11 DCF-MAC standard. Then, the modified time-based media access method is proposed to provide an optimal fair access in any given wireless topology. The modified time-based method is based on our previously proposed time-based media access method. Although the time-based method significantly eliminates the fairness problem, they cannot provide the optimal fair access. By the introduction of the modified time-based method, not only it provides the optimal fairness, but also the need of estimating the weight factor is eliminated. The modified and time-based methods require periodic link information from the local neighboring stations. We also propose an information update procedure to exchange link information using a polling mechanism to employ the proposed method.