Full-feedback backoff algorithm for distributed wireless networks

Backoff algorithm is a key component of contention-based MAC layer protocol. Numbers of dynamic CW adjustment methods have been proposed for the optimal throughput and fairness. However, they only utilize half-feedback information and may suffer from CW diverging problem. In this paper, we propose a novel Full-feedback Contention Window Adjustment (FCWA) backoff algorithm. Simulation results demonstrated that FCWA algorithm provides a remarkable performance improvement in terms of the short-term fairness, packet delay and delay jitter, while maintaining an optimal throughput close to the theoretical limit of the IEEE 802.11 access scheme.