Contention Delay Minimization in Wireless Body Sensor Networks: A Game Theoretic Perspective

In this paper, an enhanced access protocol minimizing message delivering latency is proposed. It is basically based on modified version of Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) protocol in which one sensor at a time is allowed to deviate from standard rules behaving like a cheater and keeping the Contention Window (CW) fixed and equal to the minimum value. The proposed scheme efficiency is proved resorting to game theoretic framework, while its performance is analytically derived through a Markov model for a worst case conditions. Focusing on Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) application scenario, main system figures, in terms of delivering delay and dropping probability, are further pointed out by means of numerical simulations, highlighting optimal agreement with theoretical results as well as the protocol suitability for critical situation management.