Performance analysis of uncoordinated medium access control in low data rate UWB networks

Impulse radio ultra wide band (IR-UWB) is gaining consensus within the recently formed IEEE 802.15.4a Task Group as a solution for providing combined communication and ranging in low data rate indoor/outdoor networks. In this work we propose a solution for medium access control in low data rate IR-UWB networks that uses the specific features of IR-UWB and enables location-based network optimizations by providing and storing estimates of the distance between network terminals. The performance of the protocol as a function of channel characteristics, transmission range, number of users and user data rates is evaluated by means of simulations, taking into account an accurate MUI model based on the concept of pulse collision. Results highlight that in all considered scenarios the protocol provides high throughput and low packet delay, and constitutes thus a viable solution for location-aware low data rate UWB networks