Wireless Media Access Control (Slide 1)
Two types of MAC algorithms were considered:
- Distributed access protocols
- Decision to transmit was distributed over all nodes using a carrier sense mechanism.
- Makes more sense for the adhoc peer station networks.
- Good for networks whose traffic is busy.
- Centralized access protocols
- Access is managed by a central management station.
- Makes more sense in wireless networks including base stations attached to backbone networks.
- Good for networks whose traffic is time sensitive and high priority.