Analysis of Multichannel Wireless Networks With Priority-Based Polling MAC Protocols

This paper presents an analytic approach for the modeling, analysis and performance evaluation of multichannel wireless networks using priority-based polling multiple access protocol. The multichannel operation is modeled by a multi-server polling system, where the order in which stations are polled can be accomplished either under regular cycles or at random. The number of messages transmitted per visit at each polled station is defined by using a gated + L-limited rule. The analytic model also accounts for multiple priority classes, that can be assigned to determine the order in which messages (within each visited station) are selected for transmission. Multichannel operation is modeled by using an heuristic approximation for an M/G/K system, and the scenario also accounts for a classic Head-Of-Line (HOL) policy to support priority-based services. In addition, a terminal's random-choice component, implying a random polling policy, is added to approximate an Ad Hoc network. Numerical and simulation results indicate coherence of the models proposed under asymptotic and regular conditions.