Link-layer retransmissions in IEEE 802.11g based industrial networks

Characterization of the behaviour of link-layer retransmissions is helpful when designing MAC protocols and scheduling algorithms for Factory Automation WLANs. In this paper, we measure retransmission rates and consecutive retransmission occurrences of IEEE 802.11g communication links in an industrial indoor environment. The employed wireless channel at 2.4 GHz is characterized. Experimental results show that the distribution of consecutive retransmission occurrences tends to concentrate around just one retry when devices operate within their transmission range. It is also shown that smaller frames result in fewer retransmissions.