A distributed time-fair scheduling algorithm for multi-rate WLANs

The performance anomaly experienced by nodes in multi-rate wireless local area networks (WLANs) leads to low throughput and unfairness. To this end, we propose a distributed, token-based approach that allows applications to control nodes channel occupancy time via a single tuning knob. Our approach makes use of local information extensively and does not require any modifications to the IEEE 802.11 MAC nor require explicit signaling. Simulation results show our approach to be effective in ensuring fairness, and isolating high and low rate flows.