EDCA 802.11e Performance under Different Scenarios: Quantitative Analysis

The global throughput of an 802.11e WLAN is determined by EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access) parameters, among other aspects, that are usually configured with predetermined and static values. This study carefully evaluates the Quality of Service (QoS) of Wi-Fi with EDCA in several realistic scenarios with noise and a blend of wireless traffic (e.g., voice, video, and best effort, with Pareto distribution). The metrics of the benefits obtained in each case are compared, and the differentiated impact of network dynamics on each case is quantified. This study proposes a new experimental scenario based on the relative proportion of traffic present in the network. Stations have been implemented using HSANs (Hierarchical Stochastic Activity Networks) and simulated using the Möbius tool.