Optimized WLAN MAC protocol for multimedia applications

In this paper we propose an optimized WLAN MAC protocol for multimedia applications. The proposed MAC protocol consist of 3 main optimizing architectures, traffic segregation, specific service interval (SI) for voice and video traffic and smaller contention window (CW). Traffic segregation segregates real-time traffic from best-effort traffic while specific service interval provides voice and video traffic with the SI based on its mean arrival rate. In the contention time frame, the CW is made smaller to reduce delay and increase throughput. Ns2 is used as a simulating tool to compare the results of our proposed protocol with the legacy 802.11 and the 802.11e protocols. We show that our protocol has significantly better throughput than the legacy 802.11 and the 802.11e. Fluctuations in the throughput is also shown to be lower in our proposed protocol. The technique implemented also provides easier and better management of real-time traffic to support guaranteed quality of service (QoS).