A node-based available bandwidth evaluation in IEEE 802.11 ad hoc networks

We propose a new technique to estimate the available bandwidth of wireless nodes and by extension of one-hop links in IEEE 802.11-based ad hoc networks. Our technique exploits the fact that a node can estimate the channel occupancy by monitoring its environment. It provides a non-intrusive estimation meaning that it doesn´t generate additional traffic to perform the evaluation. We show by simulations that our technique provides an accurate estimation of available bandwidth on wireless links in mobile ad hoc environment