Enhancing the Performance of Random Access MAC Protocols for Low-cost SDRs
Published in 8th ACM International Workshop on Wireless Network Testbeds, Experimental Evaluation and Characterization (WiNTECH), 2013
Recommended citation: A. Puschmann, P. Di Francesco, M.A. Kalil, L.A. DaSilva, and A. Mitschele-Thiel. 2013. "Enhancing the Performance of Random Access MAC Protocols for Low-cost SDRs." ACM WiNTECH, Miami, FL. /files/pdf/research/2013WiNTECH.pdf
Software Defined Radio (SDR) is a technology which facilitates experimentation and the practical realization of novel wireless communication systems. Especially low-cost SDRs, however, experience high communication delays due to the connection between the radio hardware and the host computer. This delay hinders the implementation of Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols. In Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) based protocols, especially the Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) as well as the subsequent channel access phase are subject to strict temporal constraints. In this paper, we present two strategies that address both issues and aim to enhance the performance and efficiency of CSMA protocols implemented on low-cost SDRs.