Analyzing the short-term fairness of IEEE 802.11 in wireless multi-hop radio networks

Abstract

We extensively analyze the short (and long) term fairness performance of wireless ad hoc networks. Recently the fairness of the MAC layer of such systems has been studied. The primary goal of our study is to investigate how multi-hop routing in an ad hoc network affects the fairness of the MAC layer. We demonstrate that higher-level protocols must also be considered when studying fairness. We analyze the behavior of a network using DSR (dynamic source routing) and DSDV as ad hoc routing protocols. The MAC layer used is IEEE 802.11. The study is carried out for a wide range of independent parameters. These include: (i) network topology; (ii) the number of connections and their spatial location; (iii) the injection rate and burstiness of individual connections. We also study the correlation between fairness and reception ratio.