A merger weight-based synchronization algorithm for WiMedia MAC

WiMeida MAC, coupled with physical layer based on UWB technology, is now widely applied in high data rate wireless personal area networks (WPANs). Because the transmission with the UWB technology is restricted to a short range, multiple piconets may exist in a network at the same time. We investigate problems related to beacon collisions and data communication disruptions when piconets interfere into each other due to changes in propagation environment, moving devices, or other effects. For the purpose of resolving this problem and minimizing the cost, we propose a merger weight-based synchronization algorithm. The performance of the algorithm is simulated and compared with coordinated merger of BPs scheme provided in WiMedia MAC, and results show that there is room for further improvement over the current synchronization algorithm in WiMedia MAC.