In this paper, we propose an analytical model for evaluating the MAC throughput in an unsaturated IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) where multiple packets reception (MPR) is possible using multiuser detection techniques. In particular, a recently proposed successive interference cancellation (SIC) scheme for MPR is considered where users can randomly choose the transmission power from a set of discrete power levels. We derive an explicit expression for throughput of the WLAN based on such an SIC scheme and validate the accuracy of the model via ns-2 simulation results. We show that the throughput is significantly improved compared to the conventional 802.11 MAC protocol just by resolving collisions between two packets with different transmission power levels. In addition, we provide the optimal power distribution to maximize the throughput achievable in an SIC-enabled WLAN.
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