Competition, cooperation, and optimization in Multi-Hop CSMA networks

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present a new method for the study of competition and cooperation relationships among nodes in a network with a CSMA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access) protocol implemented with an exponential backoff process. Self-organized behavior is proposed. We propose a "Channel Utilization Model" with a new derived variable "channel access rate" which applies for all traffic loads. These models are applied with different optimization methods.