Maximizing the Throughput of Large Ad Hoc Wireless Networks

摘要

Ad hoc wireless networks can be quickly deployed to provide wireless communication services in areas without a pre-established infrastructure of base stations. Since delivering signals between sources and destinations is a primary function of ad hoc networks, the design and analysis of ad hoc networks are also a task of signal processing. In this article, we review some of the major results on maximum throughput of ad hoc networks. Both single-hop and multihop ad hoc networks are considered. In particular, we show examples of how to maximize the throughput of a large ad hoc network through a closed-loop analysis of two medium access control (MAC) schemes: synchronous array method (SAM) and asynchronous array method (AAM). Both omnidirectional antennas and directional antennas are examined. This study illustrates an importance of the interplays between signal processing, information theory, and networking protocols.