Core-PC: A Class of Correlative Power Control Algorithms for Single Channel Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper we study the correlations that exist between the required transmission power of RTS, CTS, DATA and ACK frames to guarantee a successful 4-way handshake in wireless ad hoc networks based on the IEEE 802.11 distributed coordination function (DCF). From these correlations, and starting from a set of different initial conditions, we can derive a class of power controlled media access control (MAC) algorithms for single channel ad hoc networks based on the existing IEEE 802.11 DCF. From substantial simulations of the different algorithms and comparison to some prominent alternatives, we come to a conclusion that contradicts the intuitively sound, commonly held belief which states that sending control frames at maximum power - to reduce interference on the long data frames - then, the ensuing long data frames at a lower, yet sufficient power level decreases power consumption per carried bit.