Rule-based network design: application to packet radio networks

A heuristic, rule-based approach to network design is presented. The problem of designing high-performance packet radio networks by altering individual radio powers (i.e. by altering network connectivity) is considered. It is assumed that node locations, traffic requirements, and a multiaccess protocol are specified. The focus is on the dependence of capacity on connectivity for two reasons: connectivity is always a design parameter, whereas radio locations, protocol, and traffic may not always be; and the relationship between capacity and connectivity is well documented in the literature, even though the exact nature of this reliance remains unclear. Packet radio performance analysis models found in the literature are used for performance evaluation.<>