TDMA cluster-based MAC for VANETs (TC-MAC)

One of the challenges for Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) is the design of the Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol. When exchanging messages between vehicles, there are network issues that must be addressed, including the hidden terminal problem, high density, high node mobility, and data rate limitations. A cluster-based MAC scheme is needed in VANETs to overcome the lack of specialized hardware for infrastructure and the mobility to support network stability and channel utilization. This paper presents a MAC algorithm for vehicular ad-hoc networks using a new method for TDMA slot reservation based on clustering of vehicles. Our algorithm aims to decrease collisions and packet drops in the channel, as well as provide fairness in sharing the wireless medium and minimizing the effect of hidden terminals.