Multiple Channels Utilization in Collision Free MAC Protocol for Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Wireless ad hoc network, though it is not structured by itself, represents a powerful communication infrastructure. The distributed and flexible architecture of wireless ad hoc networks is a key factor; however, their wide deployment relies on protocols capable of providing energy optimization, high channel utilization, support for real time traffic, etc. In such a context, recently a Collision Free MAC protocol has been proposed. Its effectiveness has been already investigated showing significant improvements compared to the Standard IEEE 802.11, in terms of throughput, one way packet delay, energy consumption and support of real time traffic. This paper suggests a means for utilization of multiple parallel wireless channels and proposes an enhanced version called ECF-MAC, by imposing all stations to stay awake and ready to receive during the access window. Therefore, a transmitting station will surely find awake its destination station.