Extra back-off flow control in wireless mesh networks

CSMA is the predominant distributed access protocol for wireless mesh networks. Originally designed for singlehop settings, in multi-hop networks CSMA can exhibit severe performance problems in terms of stability and end-to-end throughput. To ensure a smoother flow of packets, we examine a new scheme referred to as extra back-off (EB) flow control. In this scheme a node remains silent for a certain extra back-off time (imposed on top of the usual back-off time that is part of CSMA) after it has transmitted a packet, so as to give both the downstream and upstream neighbors the opportunity to transmit. EB flow control entails only a small modification to CSMA, preserving its distributed character, yet considerably improving the network performance.