CFPSM: An Energy Efficient Multi-hop WLAN Protocol

Abstract

IEEE 802.11 WLAN protocol defines an ad hoc network configuration in which stations communicate among each other without the need of centralized control functions. Ad hoc networks have low performance and their stations consume more power due to contention in the network. We have devised an improved protocol, called the CFPSM protocol, which facilitates transmissions with reduced contention. We have defined an announcement period in which the stations reserve the channel by announcing the frames to be transmitted. These frames are transmitted collision-free in the following transmission period. These mechanisms result in high throughput and low power consumption in the stations. We also present extensions to CFPSM for multi-hop WLAN configuration to support mobile ad hoc routing. The suggested mechanisms lead to optimal frame transmissions across adjacent WLANs and avoid problems like indefinite postponement of transmissions or wastage of contention-free periods in WLANs.

Indexing terms:

• Wireless networks
• Protocols
• Multi-hop
• Energy efficient

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Vimal K Khanna

Vimal K Khanna has more than 20 years experience in Communications Software industry. He has conducted research and developed innovative products for a range of communi-cations protocols and technology domains, including, TCIP/IP suite, Dynamic Source Routing, IEEE 802.11, ATM, Frame Relay, ISO/OSI suite, SNMP, Ethernet, X.25/PAD, etc. His independently written papers have appeared in leading international refereed archival networking journals. His work on performance enhancement to Unix/Lunix STREAMS kernel mechanisms for implementing communications protocols has won wide acceptability in the industry and is cited on Linux STREAMS open source community Website.

He is on the Editorial Board of “IEEE Communications” Magazine (New York) since 1999. He is a reviewer for “IEEE Multimedia” (New York) magazine and IEEE international conferences like Globecom, IEE, etc.

He has been an All India rank holder in Indian Engineering Services Examinations and Silver Medallist in All India Senior Secondary School Examinations (Class XII). He has been recipient of Ministry of Education All India Merit Scholarship and NCERT National Talent Search Scholarship.