Intention Sharing for Medium Access Control in Wireless LANs

Abstract

In this paper we present a new class of MAC protocols for wireless LANs based on sharing of transmission intentions. We develop an example protocol implementation based on distributed, co-operative scheduling of data frames. Schedules are non-binding, requiring minimal negotiation between nodes. The protocol is implemented on top of standard 802.11 so that backwards compatibility with legacy nodes is maintained. We have developed efficient algorithms to merge multiple schedules from neighbouring nodes and find suitable gaps in which to schedule a given node's frames. To test the protocol's performance, we conducted simulation studies using OMNeT++. Our results show that our protocol achieves higher throughput and lower delay than 802.11 under high offered loads, and eliminates frame collisions.