Date of Award

3-2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Rusty O. Baldwin, PhD

Abstract

The use of ad-hoc wireless networks is becoming common within the United States Air Force. Such networks are able to be implemented where traditional wired networks are either impractical or too expensive. As the miniaturization of communication devices continues, it is becoming increasingly common for mobile devices to communicate directly with each other, eliminating the need for center access points. Such a network is referred to as a multi-hop ad-hoc network, or simply a multi-hop network. Most multi-hop network protocols use some form of carrier sensing to determine if the wireless channel is in use. A large sensing range can reduce packet collisions. However, it can also decrease spatial reuse. Conversely, a smaller sensing range can lead to higher spatial reuse but increase packet collisions. This study examines a variety of multi-hop network topologies, sizes and traffic loads and determines the sensing range twice as large as the node's communication range yields maximum or near maximum network throughput. However, results indicate a shorter sensing range can be better if it provides a significant increase in spatial reuse.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GCS-ENG-03-17

DTIC Accession Number

ADA415136

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