Generalized multipacket reception model for heterogeneous networks

In this paper a generalized Multipacket Reception model for heteregenous systems is presented. In a packet oriented system, heterogenity among terminals or services leads to different instantaneous Packet Error Rates. The main advantage of this model is that it demonstrates that by computing the average Packet Error Rate, it is possible to use classical analysis tools, such as Markov chains, in the design of more efficient MAC protocols. For instance, in systems employing diversity (code, frequency or space), this model allows to incorporate the advantages of multiuser detection techniques and to compute the optimal number of simultaneous transmissions to achieve throughput maximization. The usability of this model is shown by means of an example and simulation results. Furthermore, in the analysis of the results diferences between PHY and MAC optimizations are highlighted and an alternative joint PHY-MAC optimization is proposed.