Does the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol work well in multihop wireless adhoc networks?
Xu, S.; Saadawi, T.
Communications Magazine, IEEE
Volume 39, Issue 6, Jun 2001 Page(s):130 - 137
Digital Object Identifier   10.1109/35.925681
Summary:The IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol is the standard for wireless LANs; it is widely used in testbeds and simulations for wireless multihop ad hoc networks. However, this protocol was not designed for multihop networks. Although it can support some ad hoc network architecture, it is not intended to support the wireless mobile ad hoc network, in which multihop connectivity is one of the most prominent features. In this article we focus on the following question: can the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol function well in multihop networks? By presenting several serious problems encountered in an IEEE 802.11-based multihop network and revealing the in-depth cause of these problems, we conclude that the current version of this wireless LAN protocol does not function well in multihop ad hoc networks. We thus doubt whether the WaveLAN-based system is workable as a mobile ad hoc testbed

» View citation and abstract

Log in by entering your IEEE Web Account Username and Password.

IEEE Communications Society members: If you subscribe to the IEEE Electronic Periodicals Package or IEEE Electronic Periodicals Package Plus, you must access your subscription at www.comsoc.org.

Check with your librarian, information professional, or system manager to determine if you need to log in. Please complete the online Technical Support Form if you need assistance.

Select the Purchase History link to access the document. You will have 5 Days after purchase to access the Full Text PDF. Please complete the online Technical Support Form if you need assistance.

• Search and access Abstract records free of charge
• Register for table of contents alerts
• Purchase Full Text PDF documents

» Learn more about subscription options or how to become an IEEE Member.