The design of a low cost ad-hoc network for short distance data acquisition
Date
2008-12
Authors
Rossouw, Cornelius Marais
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
In this thesis the design of a low-cost ad hoc network for short distance data acquisition applications
with low data arrival intervals will be presented. The focus is on cost reduction by
replacing the traditional high power radios with low-power RF transceivers. The conventional
way of using multiple stationary repeater towers (depending on the network) is also replaced by
using an ad hoc con guration, where each individual station also serves as a repeater station to
adjacent stations. This approach reduces network design time enormously, seeing that the network
is able to con gure itself. By using this auto-routing multi-hop approach, data acquisition
points are no longer restricted to the reception areas of base stations.
A CSMA contention protocol is used for the data communication. Current models used to model
this protocol are dependent on various assumptions. In the research reported in this thesis, a
statistical study of the collision probability is performed and the results used to expand the
current CSMA models. Inter-dependent characteristics of this model are also further enhanced
to provide a more realistic model. A simulink model of the particular CSMA protocol is also
designed. Both the mathematical- and the simulink models provide relatively good predictions
when compared to actual measured results
Description
Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
Keywords
Ad hoc networks, Automatic data collection systems, Data communication, Dissertations -- Electronic engineering, Theses -- Electronic engineering