Simulation study of CSCA protocol for wireless Ad Hoc networks

A novel multiple access protocol, namely channel selection collision avoidance (CSCA) protocol, was proposed for efficient channel sharing in wireless ad hoc networks. It employed request-to-send and clear-to-send (RTS/CTS) dialogue between the sender and recipient of a data packet on a common channel and selected conflict-free traffic channel to accomplish the transmission of data packet by a flexible channel selection scheme. Meanwhile, the recipient of data packet replied an associated acknowledgment (ACK) for the sender over another common channel. By using OPNET, the simulation framework of CSCA protocol was developed, and based on this, its average channel utilization, average message delay and message dropping rate were evaluated. Simulation results show that the proposed protocol can achieve higher average channel utilization, lower average message delay and packet dropping rate in the present of heavy offered load.