Unified MAC protocol for half-duplex wireless networks

In this paper we propose and study a unified MAC protocol for wireless decentralized networks based on half duplex radio. This protocol guarantees an adaptive tolerance mechanism to changing conditions (load and connectivity) of networks. Having reviewed known MAC protocols and their limitations, requirements were established from a unified protocol. Once the protocol requirements were set, an adaptive protocol was developed and tested by using an advanced network simulation tool. The performance of the unified protocol under a variety of network conditions was compared to other protocols. The simulation results determined that the unified protocol performance drastically outperformed other schemes. The results indicated that the unified protocol is a promising basis for further research.