Throughput Optimization in Wireless Networks with Multi-Packet Reception and Directional Antennas

Recent advances in the physical layer have enabled the simultaneous reception of multiple packets by a node in wireless networks. In this paper, we present a generalized model for the throughput optimization problem in wireless networks that support multi-packet reception (MPR) capability. Our model directly accounts for nodes with multiple transmitter antennas, which can be directional or omni-directional. We divide the problem into two subproblems: routing and scheduling. Due to the hardness of the scheduling subproblem, we propose a polynomial time heuristic based on a combination of greedy and linear programming paradigms. We use the devised scheme to study the impact of several design parameters on the performance of MPR-capable networks, including the number of interfaces, the beamwidth and the receiver range of the antennas. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness and the generality of the scheme, and permit us to draw valuable conclusions about MPR-capable networks.