A Multi-channel MAC Protocol with Power Control for Multi-hop Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

An investigation is made into the possibility of bringing the concepts of power control and multi-channel medium access together in the medium access control (MAC) design problem in a mobile ad hoc network. The proposed protocol is characterized by: (1) it follows an "on-demand" style to assign channels to mobile hosts, (2) the number of channels required is independent of the network topology and degree, (3) it flexibly adapts to host mobility, (4) no form of clock synchronization is needed and (5) power control is used to exploit frequency reuse. Power control may also extend battery life and reduce signal interference. The advantage of the new protocol is demonstrated through simulations. (Original abstract - amended)