Capture probabilities in random-access mobile communications in the presence of Rician fading

The capture probabilities, C_n, defined as the probability that any of the n, contending packets are correctly received, are found with reference to a random-access mobile radio communications system in the presence or fading, shadowing, and near-far effect. A Rician model for fading that is more general than the well-studied Rayleigh fading is considered. The capture probabilities are computed, and their dependence on the system parameters and, in particular, on the Rice factor, K, is investigated. As an example of application, a slotted ALOHA system is considered, and the performance of a simple control strategy is studied. Also, some analytical results are given as to the value of C_α=lim_n-αC_n, which is relevant to the study of the system stability