Performance Analysis of Wireless Control Area Network (WCAN) Using Token Frame Scheme

This paper presents the performance analysis of Wireless Controller Area Network (WCAN). The said WCAN is an adaptation of CAN protocol which follows the data-centric approach. WCAN uses token frame method in providing channel access to nodes in the system. This method allow nodes to share a common broadcast channel by taking turns in transmitting upon receiving the token frame that are circulating around the network for a specified amount of time. The token frame allows nodes to access the network one at a time, giving 'fair' chance to all nodes to transmit, instead of competing with one another. Message with highest priority has the highest priority to transmit. The token frame method provides high throughput in a bounded latency environment. WCAN is tested in a simulation environment and is found outperforms IEEE 802.11 in a ring network environment in terms of network scalability and high data rate.