A 3-D Markov Chain Queueing Model of IEEE 802.11 DCF with Finite Buffer and Load

We introduce a 3-dimensional Markov chain that integrates the IEEE 802.11 DCF contention resolution and queueing processes into one model. Important QoS measures, delay and loss, plus throughput and queue length, can be obtained for a realistic systems with finite buffer under finite load. We present an efficient method for solving the steady state probabilities of the Markov chain. Simulations confirm the accuracy of our model, and demonstrate that the model provides new insights into the 802.11 DCF protocol.