Analyzing interaction between network protocols, topology and traffic in wireless radio networks

Abstract

We study the interaction between communication protocols, network topology and packet traffic in wireless static radio networks. A particular interest is to empirically characterize the effect of interaction between the routing layer and the MAC layer on overall system performance. Three well known MAC protocols: 802.11, CSMA, and MACA are considered. Similarly three recently proposed routing protocols: AODV, DSR and LAR scheme 1 are considered. The performance of the protocols is measured with regard to three important parameters: (i) number of packets received (ii) average latency of each packet and (iii) long term fairness.We use a simple statistical technique based on ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), to characterize the effect of interaction between protocols and various input parameters on network performance. This technique is of independent interest and can be utilized in other simulation studies. Using our methodology, we conclude that different combinations of routing and MAC protocols yield varying performance under varying network topology and traffic situations. Our results show that no combination of routing protocol and MAC protocol is the best over all situations. An important implication of the study is that the performance analysis of protocols at a given level in the protocol stack needs to be studied not locally in isolation but as a part of the complete protocol stack.

Impact of optimal MAC layer attacks on the network layer

“…They introduce the concept of integrating multiple layers of the protocol stack for more efficient intrusion detection. In [1] the authors study the interaction of the routing and MAC layer protocols under different mobility parameters. They simulate interaction between three MAC protocols (MACA, 802.11 and CSMA) and three routing protocols (AODV, DSR and LAR scheme) and perform statistical analysis in order to characterize the interaction between layers in terms of latency, throughput, number of packets received and long term fairness.…”

“…We show by analysis and simulation that MAC layer attacks presented in [1] can be almost instantly detected in the MAC layer by observing the backoff sequence of the sender [8]. Consequently, quickest detection of such attacks minimizes their effects on the network layer and prevents further propagation throughout the network.…”

“…Our work adds to the analysis of cross-layer effects presented in [1] by addressing the effects of an optimal MAC layer attack on the network layer. We show by analysis and simulation that MAC layer attacks presented in [1] can be almost instantly detected in the MAC layer by observing the backoff sequence of the sender [8].…”

On the Interaction Between IEEE 802.11e and Routing Protocols in Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

“…Barret et al [10,11] study the interaction between Network Protocols, Topology and Traffic, as well as the interaction between the routing protocol and the MAC layer in MANETs using statistical techniques. Roy et al [12] use specialized MAC and routing protocols to exploit the advantages of directional antennas.…”

Key Factor and Interaction for Network Performance in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

“…The main previous works using these approaches in ad hoc area could be found in [6] [7] [8]. In [6] and [7], the authors used ANOVA [9] statistical technique to characterize the effect of interaction between routing protocols and MAC protocols. Although different injection rates and network topology have been selected for simulation, there is no analysis for the effects of these parameters on the network performance.…”