Evaluation and optimization of robustness in the IEEE 802.15.4a standard

In this paper, we introduce ways to improve the robustness by lowering the packet loss rates of transmissions using ultra-wideband impulse radio (UWB-IR). It has been shown that the packet loss rate caused by erroneous synchronization can be tremendously decreased compared to the preamble specified in the standard IEEE 802.15.4a by our approach. These improvements are particularly intended for low-power, low-complexity transceivers operating in environments with harsh multi path propagation and high noise levels, such as industrial control. These improvements include novel ways for receiver implementation to reduce detection errors for low-power energy detection receivers with slow sampling rates. We also introduce a modified preamble that significantly reduces packet loss caused by failed preamble synchronizations We evaluate our improvements by simulation. Our approach to receiver implementation enables receiver to achieve the same packet loss rate at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) 10 dB lower than traditional receiver designs.