Throughput performance of the distributed and point coordination functions of an IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN

Abstract

We study the throughput and delay as a function of load, of data traffic in an IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN using the public domain network simulator ns-2. We evaluate the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) as well as the Point Coordination Function (PCF) modes of operation of IEEE 802.11 in detail. Although the PCF gives consistently higher throughput in the ranges of load studied, it has higher delay in the relatively lighter ranges of load. So it is optimal to use DCF at light loads and switch to PCF when the load increases.