Comparison of the maximal spatial throughput of Aloha and CSMA in Wireless multihop Ad-Hoc Networks

Abstract: In this paper we compare the spatial throughput of Aloha and Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA) in Wireless multihop Ad-Hoc Networks. In other words we evaluate the gain offered by carrier sensing (CSMA) over the pure statiscal collision avoidance which is the basis of Aloha. We use a Signal-to-Interference-and-Noise Ratio (SINR) model where a transmission is assumed to be successful when the SINR is larger than a given threshold. Regarding channel conditions, we consider both standard Rayleigh and negligible fading. For slotted and non-slotted Aloha, we use analytical models as well as simulations to study the density of successful transmissions in the network. As it is very difficult to build precise models for CSMA, we use only simulations to compute the performances of this protocol. We compare the two Aloha versions and CSMA on a fair basis, i.e. when they are optimized to maximize the density of successful transmissions. For slotted Aloha, the key optimization parameter is the medium access probability, for non-slotted Aloha we tune the mean back-off time, whereas for CSMA it is the carrier sense threshold that is adjusted. Our study shows that CSMA always outperforms slotted Aloha, which in turn outperforms its non-slotted version