TCP over Multi-Hop Wireless Networks: The Impact of MAC Level Interactions

In Multi Hop Wireless Networks (MHWNs), nodes act both as end-hosts as well as intermediate routers. When communication occurs, these nodes form chains between different sources and destinations. Researchers have studied how these chains behave, discovering that MAC level interactions play a major role in determining their performance. In this paper, we extend this analysis to study how TCP connections, which involve bidirectional flows, behave over wireless chains. First, we break down and examine the types of chains that occur most frequently in TCP configurations and classify them by the nature of the MAC level interactions that arise in each. We then show that the throughput of TCP over a wireless chain is greatly affected by the type of interactions within the chain. Finally, we show the implications of the MAC level interactions on network performance: specifically, route instability and number of retransmissions.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2009
• Where: ADHOCNOW
• Authors: Adnan Majeed, Saquib Razak, Nael B. Abu-Ghazaleh, Khaled A. Harras
• Keywords: ADHOCNOW 2009, Chain, MAC Level Interactions, Nodes Form Chains, Wireless Networks