Performance Analysis between CSMA/CA and MACA

Abstract

In a wireless network nodes can be hidden from each other if they are in communication with a central station but not directly with each other. The presence of hidden nodes creates complications for transmitting throughout the network, and also when two or more networks are trying to share the same frequency and physical space. Hidden nodes in a wireless network are out of range of other nodes or a collection of nodes. This kind of problem can be solved in MACA protocol using CTS/RTS handshaking. In this report a comparative analysis based on packet loss and throughput is done between two topologies designed with CSMA and MACA protocol using Network Simulator 2 (NS2).