A node-based available bandwidth evaluation in IEEE 802.11 ad hoc networks

International audienceWe propose a new technique to estimate the available bandwidth of wireless nodes and by extension of one-hop links in IEEE 802.11-based ad hoc networks. Our technique exploits the fact that a node can estimate the channel occupancy by monitoring its environment. It provides a non-intrusive estimation meaning that it doesn?t generate additional traffic to perform the evaluation. We show by simulations that our technique provides an accurate estimation of available bandwidth on wireless links in mobile ad hoc environment