AARF-HT: Adaptive Auto Rate Fallback for High-Throughput IEEE 802.11n WLANs

Abstract

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) has been progressing rapidly. The IEEE 802.11n Physical (PHY) layer provides wider channel bandwidth, shorter guard interval, and up to four data streams. Therefore PHY 802.11n has a maximum of 128 data rate options from 6.5 Mbps to 600 Mbps. In addition, Medium Access Control (MAC) has been added Aggregate MAC Protocol Data Unit (AMDPU) scheme. If AMPDU is transmitted with a data rate corresponding to the channel conditions, then the probability AMPDU is received without error becomes increased. MAC determines the data rate used for transmitting AMPDU using a rate adaptation algorithm. Therefore some papers have proposed rate adaptation algorithms based on channel conditions. In this paper we propose a new rate adaptation algorithm that we call Adaptive Auto Rate Fallback for High Throughput (AARF-HT). Our development is done using NS-3 simulator version 3.26. AARF-HT algorithm performance is also tested through a number of simulations extensively. The simulation results show the data rate adaptation function based on the channel width, guard interval and the number of spatial streams in IEEE 802.11n WLAN has functioned well. The test results also show the AARF-HT algorithm resulted in higher throughput compared to the AARF algorithm.