Performance Evaluation of a MIMO-Assisted MPR-MAC over Lossy Channels

Coping with collisions is one of the biggest challenges in the design of MAC algorithms for wireless networks. Recent advances in MIMO communications have provided the possibility of simple detection of colliding packets. In this paper, we introduce a new MIMO/MPR-aware cross-layer MAC/PHY design that is capable of combating collisions through the use of a multiple packet reception technique. Analytical and simulation results show that the proposed MAC design can considerably improve the throughput of a WLAN operating over lossy links.