Statistical characterization of the service time in saturated IEEE 802.11 networks

In this paper, we propose an analytical model for the service time in saturated IEEE 802.11 DCF networks. We derive a closed-form probability generating function for the packet service time of a cluster of IEEE 802.11 terminals, both for the RTC/CTS and the basic access mode. The probability generating function is inverted by numerical methods, providing the probability distribution function of the service time. Interestingly, it catches certain features of the DCF service time, which cannot be revealed with the second order analysis known in the literature. Finally, this analytical model is validated by means of extensive simulation outcomes.