A simple protocol for the dynamic tuning of the backoff mechanism in IEEE 802.11 networks

In this work we study the performance of the IEEE 802.11 protocol with a dy namically tuned backoff based on a very simple estimation of the network st atus, Specifically, our backoff algorithm exploits the information provided to each station by the carrier sensing mechanism. Each station uses this i nformation to tune its backoff. Simulation results indicate that the capaci ty of the enhanced protocol approaches the theoretical capacity limits of t he IEEE 802.11 protocol in all the configurations analyzed, Studies of tran sient conditions show that, when the load changes, the protocol quickly re- tunes the backoff to the new optimal one. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.