Topology-transparent node activation scheduling schemes for multihop TDMA ad hoc networks

In this paper, we study topology-transparent node activation transmission scheduling protocols for multihop TDMA ad hoc networks, focusing on quality-of-service (QoS) provisioning for each node. A framework for topology-transparent node activation scheduling based on the theory of block designs is proposed. With the properties of block designs, the theory of block designs is applied to the transmission scheduling such that conflict-free transmission slots for each node in each frame are guaranteed. We study and evaluate two series of block design constructions. Based on the results derived, topology-transparent node activation scheduling algorithms are presented. The proposed schemes maximize the minimum system throughput, and analysis results show that the proposed algorithms outperform existing algorithms.