On the throughput performance of CSMA-based wireless local area network with directional antennas and capture effect: a cross-layer analytical approach

In this paper we develop a cross-layer analytical approach from both the physical layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer to evaluate the performance of the IEEE 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN). From the physical layer, this analytical approach incorporates the effects of both capture and directional antenna, while from the MAC layer, our model takes account of the carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) protocol. Through a cross-layer modeling technique, this analytical framework can provide valuable insights of the physical layer impact on the throughput performance of the CSMA/CA MAC protocol. These insights can be helpful in developing a MAC protocol to fully take advantage of directional antennas for enhancing the performance of the WLAN.