A topology-aware collision resolution algorithm

Abstract

A new collision resolution algorithm called the space division multiple access protocol (SDMA) is presented. SDMA gains a performance advantage over similar protocols by using information about the positions of stations on the network. The protocol can operate asynchronously on a broadcast bus, allowing variable sized packet traffic. Through simulation the protocol is demonstrated to have better performance than Ethernet and the Capetanakis Tree protocol, a similar collision resolution protocol, under some traffic conditions. In particular, under heavy loads, SDMA displays better average throughput and lower variance of delay than Ethernet. The protocol demonstrates a performance bias based on the location of stations, but in most cases this bias is less severe than that experienced by Ethernet.<>