Interference power statistics in ad-hoc and sensor networks

There exist accurate calculation methods for estimation of interference power sum statistics in fixed-topology wireless networks based on the log-normal shadowing radio model. Here we publish essential additions to these estimation methods to expand their use to sensor networks and ad-hoc networks with changing topology. In our calculations we take into account radio propagation conditions, density of nodes, size of the network, traffic load per node and MAC protocol characteristics. The accuracy of our calculation method is verified by simulations. We highlight the influence of MAC protocols on interference and show that an increase in network size or in node density does not necessarily lead into higher interference values. Our results can be deployed to estimate the network capacity. Ramin Hekmat received M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands in 1990. He worked since then for several telecommunication companies in the Netherlands and the United States in Research and Development as well as managerial positions. In September 2005 he obtained Ph.D. degree for his work related to Ad-hoc Networks form TU Delft. Currently he is working as assistant professor in the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science of TU Delft. His prime research interest includes multi-user communication systems, wireless communications and peer-to-peer networks. Email: r.hekmat@ewi.tudelft.nl Mailing address: Delft University of Technology Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science P.O. Box 5031 2600 GA Delft The Netherlands. Piet Van Mieghem has obtained the Master and Ph. D. in Electrical Engineering from the K.U.Leuven (Belgium) in 1987 and 1991, respectively. He has joined the Interuniversity Micro Electronic Center (IMEC) from 1987-1991. He was a visiting scientist at MIT, department of electrical engineering from 1992-1993. From 1993 to 1998, he was working in Alcatel Corporate Research Center in Antwerp where he has gained experience in performance analysis of ATM systems and network architectural concepts of both ATM networks (PNNI) and the Internet. Currently, he is full professor at Delft University of Technology with a chair in telecommunication networks. The main theme of the research is evolution of the Internet architecture towards a broadband and QoS-aware network. Email: p.vanmieghem@ewi.tudelft.nl Mailing address: Delft University of Technology Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science P.O. Box 5031 2600 GA Delft The Netherlands.