Asymptotic throughput analysis of distributed multichannel random access schemes

Abstract

In this paper, we highlight the advantage of multichannel random access schemes by jointly exploiting the inherent multiuser and multicarrier diversity. For a deeper understanding of network behavior, we define a parameter called the population density of the network and consider multichannel systems under different types of network density. We show that by exploiting the inherent diversity of the multicarrier networks, the asymptotic stable throughput (AST) of any single carrier medium access protocol can be increased. We have developed closed form expressions for the amount of gain that can be obtained using multicarrier diversity. We then take an example of the traditional Aloha systems to demonstrate the advantages of multicarrier systems over single carrier systems and show using simulation results that the maximum throughput gain achievable is as high as 50%.