Network diversity multiple access in Rayleigh fading correlated channels with imperfect channel and collision multiplicity estimation

Network diversity multiple access or NDMA is the family of algorithms with the highest potential throughput in the literature of signal-processing-assisted random access. NDMA uses the concept of protocol-induced retransmissions to create an adaptive source of physical (PHY) layer diversity. This adaptive diversity is used to resolve packet collisions (via signal separation) without the explicit need (or as a complement) of a multiple antenna receiver. This paper proposes a further improvement on the modelling of NDMA by considering the effects of imperfect channel and collision multiplicity estimation. In addition, this work considers channel correlation between consecutive retransmissions (i.e., temporal correlation). Conventionally, the analysis of NDMA assumes that any error in the collision multiplicity estimation translates into the loss of all contending packets. This is an optimistic assumption because even when the multiplicity has been correctly estimated, errors can still occur. On the other hand, it is also pessimistic because correct reception can also occur when the multiplicity has been incorrectly estimated. This paper presents a more detailed study of the performance of the protocol considering these more specific reception cases.