Theoretical throughput/delay analysis for variable packet length in the 802.11 MAC protocol

Abstract

This paper presents the results of our analysis of through-put and delay for variable packet length in the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol. We extend Cali's theoretical model for basic CSMA/CA to derive optional hybrid model and generalize it so that we can incorporate the statistical packet length distribution traced on a real network. We also introduce the delay formula, which allows us to calculate important metrics to evaluate system performance. Our model was validated through simulations which yielded results that are accurate to the 802.11 MAC behavior. In addition by adjusting key parameters in the analytical model, we are able to examine the theoretical performance limit. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.