QRP07-5: Cross-layer-based Modeling of IEEE 802.11 Wireless LANs with MIMO Links
Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is the new technology that has the potential of increasing the transmission speeds and extending the range in wireless LANs. While MIMO links has been extensively researched in the PHY layer research community, very few studies has been done on the MAC level. In this paper we perform cross-layer analysis to study the impact of spatial multiplexing using MMSE and ZF on the MAC layer. We discuss an analytical model that takes into account the packet error rate (PER) as a loss factor in calculating the MAC throughput. The model is built on the legacy IEEE 802.11 DCF access mechanism. Expressions for throughput and average service time of packets are provided. The analytical expressions are solved using MATLAB and the results are validated by simulations.