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Assignment Wireless

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SYED KAMRAN ALI
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12 views3 pages

Assignment Wireless

Uploaded by

SYED KAMRAN ALI
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name Syed Kamran Ali

Id F2020019030
Wireless Networks

Assignment 2

Q1: Describe the methods used to allocate channels, such as Frequency Division Multiplexing
(FDM) and Time Division Multiplexing (TDM). Discuss why these methods may lead to
channel underutilization and how Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection
(CSMA/CD) can be used to improve channel utilization.

Answer:

Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) and Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) are two primary
methods used to allocate channels in wireless networks.

FDM works by dividing the total bandwidth available into multiple frequency sub-bands, each assigned
to a separate channel. This allows multiple users to transmit data simultaneously over different
frequencies, reducing interference.

TDM, on the other hand, divides the total time into several recurring time slots, and each channel is
assigned a specific time slot. This allows multiple users to share the same frequency by transmitting their
data in different time slots.

However, both FDM and TDM can lead to channel underutilization. In FDM, if a user doesn't have data
to transmit, their allocated frequency band remains unused. Similarly, in TDM, if a user doesn't have
data to send during their time slot, that time slot goes to waste.

Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) can improve channel utilization. In
CSMA/CD, a device first checks the channel to see if it's free before transmitting. If the channel is busy,
the device waits and tries again later. If a collision is detected during transmission, the device stops
transmitting and waits for a random period before trying again. This method allows for more efficient
use of the channel and reduces the chances of collisions.
Q2: Discuss the limitations of using Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection
(CSMA/CD) in wireless networks. What are the challenges related to varying link quality,
hidden and exposed terminal problems, and the tradeoff between packet length and error
rates? Provide solutions or alternative protocols that can be used to address these challenges
in wireless networks.

Answer:

While CSMA/CD can improve channel utilization, it has limitations in wireless networks due to varying
link quality, hidden and exposed terminal problems, and the tradeoff between packet length and error
rates.

Varying link quality: Wireless signals can be affected by various factors such as distance, obstacles, and
interference, leading to varying link quality. CSMA/CD may not work well in such conditions as it
assumes a stable link quality.

Hidden and exposed terminal problems: In wireless networks, two nodes may be unable to detect each
other's signals (hidden terminal problem) or may falsely assume that they can't transmit because they
detect another node's signal (exposed terminal problem). CSMA/CD can't solve these problems as it
relies on carrier sensing.

Tradeoff between packet length and error rates: In wireless networks, longer packets are more likely to
encounter errors, but shorter packets lead to more overhead. CSMA/CD doesn't address this tradeoff.

Alternative protocols such as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) or
protocols using Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (MACA) can be used to address these
challenges. These protocols use techniques like RTS/CTS (Request to Send/Clear to Send) exchanges to
avoid collisions and handle hidden and exposed terminal problems.
Q3: Describe the functionalities of the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) and the Point
Coordination Function (PCF) in the 802.11 MAC layer. How do these functions handle multiple
access and time division multiplexed access? Explain the use of carrier sensing, backoff
mechanisms, and the role of RTS/CTS in these functions.

Answer:

Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) and Point Coordination Function (PCF) are two
functionalities of the 802.11 MAC layer.

DCF is a fundamental access method of the 802.11 MAC protocol. It uses CSMA/CA to handle multiple
access and includes a random backoff mechanism to reduce collisions. DCF also uses RTS/CTS exchanges
to handle the hidden terminal problem.

PCF is an optional access method that provides time division multiplexed access to the medium. It uses
a point coordinator (usually the access point) to poll each station in turn, allowing it to transmit if it has
data to send. This method avoids collisions but requires more complex coordination.

Both DCF and PCF use carrier sensing to determine if the channel is free before transmitting. The backoff
mechanisms in DCF help to further reduce the chance of collisions by introducing a random delay before
retransmission after a collision. The RTS/CTS exchanges in DCF help to solve the hidden terminal
problem by reserving the channel for the intended transmission.

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