Adjustable Power Control Protocols in High Load Ad Hoc Wireless Networks

Abstract

Despite the convenience of Ad Hoc wireless Local Area Networks, hidden and exposed terminal problems exist. Avoiding these problems and adding channel bandwidth utilization efficiently in MAC (Medium Access Control) layer are critical. Several MAC protocols have been proposed to eliminate these drawbacks, including RTS/CTS-based and busy-tone-based protocol. This study proposes a dynamic power control scheme, Adjustable Power Control Protocol (APC). APC first locates relative positions assisted by broadcast messages. The transmission allowance and the required transmission power level are then identified. APC is based on the concept that new communications should not interfere with present communications. Simulation results show that APC performs well in terms of power consumption and number of successful sessions. The number of successful sessions is close to that of IBTPC while APC consumes much less power.