Using RTS/CTS to enhance the performance of IEEE 802.15.6 CSMA/CA

IEEE 802.15.6 is a radio interface standard for a wireless connectivity of wearable and implantable sensors and actuators located inside or in close proximity to the human body i.e. Body Area Network (BAN). Medical applications requirements impose stringent constraints on the reliability, and quality of service performance in these networks. Assuming CSMA/CA MAC protocol as outlined in the IEEE 802.15.6 standard Intra-BAN interference as well as interference from other co-located BANs or nearby devices sharing the same spectrum could greatly impact the data link reliability in these networks. Specifically, inter-BAN interference caused by hidden and exposed nodes could lead to higher packet delays or lower successful packet reception. In this paper, we study the use of a RTS/CTS handshake mechanism to improve the performance of IEEE 802.15.6-based CSMA/CA when multiple co-located BANs are present. Simulation results demonstrate that the introduction of RTS/CTS mechanism is able to significantly reduce packet collisions, resulting in a tangible improvement in system performance.