Multi-hop cooperative communications using multi-relays in IEEE 802.11 WLANs

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a mechanism to increase performance by using cooperative communications in IEEE 802.11. Existing algorithms use one relay between a source and a destination, which is a 2 hop relay. There may be cases that relays cannot be found. We propose a cooperative communication protocol for three hops. The proposed algorithm manages network information (rate among nodes) and selects best relay(s). And it utilizes more than one relay to improve the inefficiency of using one relay by network information. Moreover, relays are given to have the opportunity to send their own data right after relaying the source's data. So relays are compensated for relaying the source's data and the overall throughput is enhanced. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.