Modelling and optimization for multi-hop wireless networks using fixed point and automatic differentiation

Abstract

We develop and evaluate a new method for estimating and optimizing various performance metrics of multi-hop wireless networks, including MANETs. We introduce a simple approximate (throughput) loss model that couples the physical, MAC and routing layers effects. The model provides quantitative statistical relations between the loss parameters that are used to characterize multiuser interference and physical path conditions on the one hand and the traffic rates between origindestination pairs on the other. The model considers effects of the hidden nodes, node scheduling algorithms, MAC and PHY layer failures and unsuccessful packet transmission attempts at the MAC layer in arbitrary network topologies where multiple paths share nodes. We apply Automatic Differentiation (AD) to these implicit performance models, and develop a methodology for sensitivity analysis and parameter optimization for wireless protocols. Finally, we provide simulation experiments to evaluate the effectiveness and performance estimation accuracy of the proposed models and methodologies.

Analytical Modelling of IEEE 802.15.4 for Multi-Hop Networks with Heterogeneous Traffic and Hidden Terminals

“…In [12], multi-hop communication is modelled for IEEE 802.11 networks but with a single traffic pattern. In [13], the work of [12] has been extended to multiple non-saturated flows. However, we note that these models can not be directly applied to IEEE 802.15.4 networks due to the different access mechanism of IEEE 802.11.…”