A Game-theoretic Cross-Layer Estimation for WLANs

In this paper, an incompletely cooperative game-theoretic MAC protocol is provided to improve the performance of WLANs. Firstly, each node estimates the current state of the game upon running CSMA/CA. Secondly, the node changes its equilibrium strategy by tuning its local contention parameters (i.e., the minimum contention window) based on the estimated game state. Finally, the game is repeated finitely to get the optimal performance. Moreover, cross-layer design is introduced into the framework of the game to simultaneously estimate the PHY-specific and MAC-specific game state (i.e., bit rates and number of competing nodes). The simulation results show that the game can increase system throughput, and decrease delay, jitter and bit drop rate.