Multiple packet reception in Ad hoc networks exploiting differences in the symbol rates of sources

A new approach for empowering ad hoc networks with multiple packet reception (MPR) capabilities is introduced in this paper. In multiuser communication networks, a common symbol (baud) rate (or chip rate in the case of CDMA) is normally employed for all the sources. We propose to alter the symbol rates of the sources in order to aid the receivers in the separation of colliding packets. The symbol rates of the transmitters in the network are thus selected from a predetermined set that contains the allowed transmission rates. These rates are slightly different from each other in order to make the system as bandwidth efficient as possible. The receivers separate the colliding packets by using an antenna array where the algorithm that specifies the weights of the spatial filter takes advantage of the distinct transmission rates.