Multicast performance bounds exploiting cooperative Physical Layer Network Coding

In this paper we exploit the characteristics of Physical layer Network Coding (PNC) in multicast short range networks. We present a scalable scenario of partially overlapping short range networks, where collisions are resolved through indirect inter-group cooperation based on the features of PNC. Our scenario consists of a central network, which is our network of interest, and several surrounding networks. Exploring the worst case scenario of the proposed scheme, we aim to unveil the lower achievable bounds of throughput and energy efficiency and the higher bounds of delay for the network of interest. We evaluate our proposed scheme and prove that even in its lower performance it outperforms the conventional cooperative approach in terms of throughput, delay and energy efficiency.