An Interference-Based Distributed TDMA Scheduling Algorithm for Aeronautical Ad Hoc Networks

The Aeronautical Ad hoc networks (AANET) is a new sort of ad hoc networks, in which the nodes move fleetly and the corresponding topology changes rapidly. The design issue of Medium Access Control (MAC) for AANET is very important and the most frequently used MAC protocol is redesigned based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). We describe a new Interference-based Distributed TDMA Algorithm (IDTA) for AANET. IDTA does not need central control and runs in parallel at every node in the network using an interference-based network model. Only local information is exchanged and needed. IDTA is able to meet different needs of different links and has the ability to provide QoS. Compared to other distribute Spatial reuse TDMA (STDMA) algorithms, IDTA runs at both the receiver and sender of a link other than only at the receiver. This reduces the computational burden of the receiver and needs less operation time for assignment. Therefore IDTA is more appropriate for the highly-dynamic aeronautical environment. The OMNET++ simulation shows that the IDTA can significantly reduce the end to end delay than other distribute STDMA algorithm in the aeronautical environment.