Embedding physical layer processes in link layer analysis

A realistic analysis of media access control protocols for wireless applications must incorporate the affects of physical layer phenomena such as Rayleigh fading, shadowing and other processes that cause signal attenuation. In this work we present an innovative technique where the effects of the physical layer are embedded in the link layer by creating a fictitious user that blocks channel access from other users similar to the way fading inhibits real users from channel access. We match the fading process with the user's status, by minimizing the cross entropy prior to analyzing message delay. Simulations are used to assess the accuracy of the approach.