Throughput maximization in CSMA networks with collisions

In the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer of a wireless network that uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA), the performance is limited by collisions that occur because of carrier sensing delays associated with propagation and the sensing electronics. In this paper, we use a continuous-time Markov model to analyze and optimize the performance of a system using CSMA with collisions caused by sensing delays. The throughput of the network is quantified using the stationary distribution of the Markov model. An online algorithm is developed for the unconstrained throughput maximization problem. Further, a constrained problem is formulated and solved using a numerical algorithm. Simulations are provided to analyze and validate the solution to the unconstrained and constrained optimization problems.