Performance Improvement of MAC Protocols for Broadband Power-Line Access Networks of Developing Countries: A Case of Tanzania

Authors: Abdi T. Abdalla, Justinian Anatory

Abstract:

This paper investigates the possibility of improving throughputs of some Media Access Controls protocols such as ALOHA, slotted ALOHA and Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance with the aim of increasing the performance of Powerline access networks. In this investigation, the real Powerline network topology in Tanzania located in Dar es Salaam City, Kariakoo area was used as a case study. During this investigation, Wireshark Network Protocol Analyzer was used to analyze data traffic of similar existing network for projection purpose and then the data were simulated using MATLAB. This paper proposed and analyzed three improvement techniques based on collision domain, packet length and combination of the two. From the results, it was found that the throughput of Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance protocol improved noticeably while ALOHA and slotted ALOHA showed insignificant changes especially when the hybrid techniques were employed.

Keywords: Access Network, ALOHA, Broadband Powerline Communication, Slotted ALOHA, CSMA/CA and MAC Protocols.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI): doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1336584

References:

[1] A. Abdalla, "Performance Evaluation of Different Media Access Control Protocols with Application to Broadband Powerline Communication” Master’s Dissertation, Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
[2] H. Gilbert, Understanding Broadband over Power line, Auer Bach Publishers, Now York.
[3] A. Abdalla, "Appropriate Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol for Broadband Power-Line Access Network of Developing Countries: A Case of Tanzania”, IET Journal, Vol.11 No 2, June 2012.
[4] J. Anatory, N. Theethayi, R. Thottappillil, and N.H. Mvungi, (2009), "A Broadband Power-Line Communication System Design Scheme for Typical Tanzanian Low Voltage Network”, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, 1218-1224, Vol. 24, No. 3, July, 2009.
[5] H. Hrasnica, H, A. Haidine, "Reservation MAC Protocols for Powerline Communications”, International Symposium on Power-Line Communications, 2001, Germany.
[6] H. Hrasnica, H., A. Haidine, R. Lehnert, R, Broadband Powerline Communications: Network Design, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, The Atrium, South Gate, Chichester, England.
[7] J. Anatory, N.H. Mvungi, and M.M. Kissaka, "Performance Evaluation of Different MAC Protocols for IP based Powerline Communication Networks in Developing Countries”, Proceedings of 7th International Symposium of Powerline Communication and Application, Kyoto, Japan, March 26th to 28th 2003, pp.160-166.
[8] J. Anatory, "Investigation of Appropriate Technology for Remote Monitoring of Electrical Power Consumption in Tanzania” Master’s Thesis, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
[9] J. Anatory, N.H. Mvungi and M. M. Kissaka, "Trends in Telecommunication services provision: Powerline Network can provide alternative for access in Developing Countries”, Proceeding of IEEE Africon 2004, Gaborone, Botswana, 15th – 17th September, 2004, ISBN 0-7803-8605-1, pp. 601-606.
[10] H. Iddi, "Performance analysis of communication protocols for power line communication channel”, Thesis of research, University of Dar es salaam.
[11] R. Rom, M. Sidi, Multiple Access Protocols – Performance and Analysis, Springer-Verlag, New York.
[12] J. Myoung-Hee, and Y. Chung, "MAC Throughput Analysis of HomePlug 1.0”, IEEE Communication Letters, Vol. 9, No. 2, February 2005.
[13] Y. Chung, M. Jung, T. Lee, "Performance Analysis of HomePlug 1.0 MAC with CSMA/CA”, IEEE Journal of Selected Areas in Communications, Vol. 24, No. 7, July 2006.
[14] M. Kissaka, M, Bakari, and B. Kihaka, "Installation of Fiber Optic Network at UDSM Main Campus, UCLAS and MUCHS under SIDA/SAREC ICT Project”. Final Report, November, 2002.
[15] Cuthbert M. A (2006), "Performance analysis of IP- based networks” Master’s Thesis, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.