Performance Evaluation of A Multiuser Detection Based MAC Design for Ad Hoc Networks

In general, the performance and radio resource utilization of Ad Hoc networks are limited by half-duplex operation and possible collisions. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for MAC design that practically eliminates collisions and significantly increases the bandwidth utilization. The key element of this approach is the CDMA multiuser detection technology that allows receiving several signals in parallel without inflicting self-interference. These features give a promise of significant performance improvements. The main goal of this paper is to assess the range of this gain when compared to other existing alternatives. In particular, we compare the performance of the proposed multiuser detection based MAC design with MAC design based on IEEE 802.11 concept and with MAC design based on multi-code CDMA with one signal reception by one user at a time.