Enhancing the throughput of 802.11ah sectorized networks using AID-based backoff counters
Hanifa Nabuuma, Emad Alsusa · 2017
IEEE 802.11ah is a WiFi standard developed to support M2M communications, among other things. It caters for sub 1 GHz long range transmissions. However, this long range exacerbates the hidden node problem. Sectorization and grouping have been proposed to mitigate the hidden node problem. Sectorization can also be used to eliminate the overlapping basic service set problem. In this paper, we create hidden node-free groups using the Welsh Powell algorithm. We propose the setting of backoff timers using AIDs of STAs in the group and analyse the maximum throughput that can be attained by the network in the presence of packet errors. Our simulation results show a 45% improvement in throughput compared to existing techniques.