Efficiency optimization under variable packet error rate for wireless LAN

Abstract

Efficiency of a wireless local area network (LAN) depends upon two factors i.e. length of payload and number of retransmissions. In calculation of optimal efficiency based on the mentioned factors, packet error rate is assumed to be constant. In the practical set-up of wireless LAN communication systems, the packet error rate is not constant and may vary from the theoretically determined value. Thus, optimization of the efficiency initially requires estimation of packet error rate and then subsequent calculation of optimal payload length and number of retransmissions. This paper discusses the calculation of the value of optimal payload length and retransmission rate that maximizes the channel efficiency, under variable packet error rate in wireless LAN communication systems. The proposed method of optimization involves two steps i.e. offline tabulation and online linear interpolation of the values of the optimal payload length and retransmissions corresponding to the packet error rate values. The simplicity of the proposed approach renders an easy and effective implementation. A minor issue involved in the practical application of the proposed method is also discussed.