Delay analysis for statistical real-time channels in mobile ad hoc networks

Wireless devices that communicate using the IEEE 802.11 protocol can be used to create mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). Many interesting applications using MANETs are realizable if real-time channels can be supported on such networks. However, frames are commonly dropped (and thus must be retransmitted) in wireless networks due to interference from other wireless devices and transmission range problems. To provide real-time communication in such networks, statistical real-time channels can be used. This paper proposes an analysis of the end-to-end network delay for two nodes in a MANET using the IEEE 802.11 DCF mode. This delay analysis can serve as the basis for the creation of statistical real-time channels in IEEE 802.11 MANETs.