Rate constrained power optimization for STDMA MAC protocols

In this paper, we exploit a distributed power control algorithm for spatial time division multiple access (STDMA) medium access control (MAC) protocols. Our algorithm aims at maximizing the number of simultaneous transmissions while concurrently minimizing the corresponding transmission powers in a given time slot. We formulate the problem of interest as a linear programming (LP) problem subject to discrete constraints. Then, we solve the problem using dynamic programming (DP). Based on our solution, we propose a low complexity optimal power control algorithm which can be generically embedded into any existing STDMA MAC protocol. Through analytical and experimental studies, we show that not only our power control algorithm significantly improves the throughput performance and the power consumption of STDMA MAC protocols compared to their baseline alternatives but it also outperforms the existing power control algorithms devised for STDMA MAC protocols.