Statistical back-off method for minimizing interference among distinct network technologies

With the advent of new networking technology operating over license-free bands such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, and HomeRF, network co-existence has become an issue of great concern. This paper presents a method to reduce the interference issue by applying a statistical backoff algorithm to some of the devices in the network. This algorithm modifies the traffic transmitted by devices such that they transmit only when the probability of collision with other systems is lowest. An analytical description of the interference conditions of the channel can then be applied to the device queue to minimize the probability of collision. Simulation results show that, depending on the traffic model selected, this algorithm can provide increases in power efficiency while creating decreases in throughput that are dependent on the selected traffic model.