A Simulation Model for a Class of Contention-based Multiple Access, Multihop Packet Radio Networks

Packet radio networks (PRNs) employ packet switching technology to implement reliable data communication networks over broadcast radio channels. Described herein is a computer simulation developed at Hazeltine Corporation that allows modeling of physically realizable PRNs. It is a process-oriented discrete-event model, isomorphic to PRN at several levels, and permits refinement of any individual module to any level of detail desired. It is written in SIMULA and DEMOS as two CONTEXTs in which rapid prototyping and verification of networking algorithms are possible. This simulation is currently being used to support the development of a protocol for small to medium sized PRNs.