Performance evaluation of the IEEE 802.11a and b WLAN physical layer on the Martian surface

The performance of IEEE 802.11a and b WLAN standards on the Martian surface is studied. The Gusev crater region and the Meridiani Planum (Hematite) region are chosen as example sites based on the mission science and mission success criteria. The radio frequency (RF) multipath environment is obtained using digital elevation maps (DEMs) from the Mars global surveyor mission, taking into account the atmosphere and other factors on the Martian surface. It is observed that IEEE 802.11a performs well in terms of packet error rates at distances up to a few hundred meters from the transmit antenna when the transmit power is 1 W and the antennas are located 1.5 in above the ground. Although the performance of IEEE 802.11b is found to be more adversely affected, its performance too can be improved significantly using a RAKE receiver. It is observed that the lower data rate modes of 802.11a show much better results in terms of bit error rates. However, both 802.11a and b appear to provide effective communications within a few hundred meters of the transmitter in the selected sites considered