Dynamic Sensitivity Control for Mitigating Hidden and Exposed Terminals in WiFi 7 Networks

The ratification of the IEEE 802.11be WiFi 7 standard amendment has been driven by the need to achieve ultra-high throughput and stringent low-latency for emerging applications. To accomplish this goal, 802.11be relies on various novel techniques. However, the same as in many earlier WiFi standards, two significant challenges known as the hidden terminal problem and the exposed terminal problem still remain, leading to degraded network performance. In order to mitigate the effects of these terminal problems, a promising technique called dynamic sensitivity control (DSC) has been introduced since 802.11ax WiFi 6 networks. This paper proposes an effective algorithm for applying DSC in WiFi 7 networks, aiming to enhance the performance of IEEE 802.11be and 802.11ax stations by reducing collision probabilities resulted from hidden terminals. Through extensive evaluation and analysis, our algorithm showcases its potential in optimizing network performance for future 802.11be deployment. The findings contribute to the seamless integration of WiFi standards in the evolution of wireless communication landscape towards next generation systems.