Priority Broadcast Modeling of IEEE 802.11p MAC with Channel Switching Operation

Abstract

In this paper, we propose multidimensional stochastic modeling of priority broadcast in Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANET). We focus on the channel switching operation of IEEE 1609.4 in systems that handle different types of safety messages, such as event-driven urgent messages and periodic beacon messages. The model considers the constraints imposed by the channel switching operation. The model also reflects differentiated services that handle different types of messages. We carefully consider the delivery time limit and the number of transmissions of the urgent messages. We also consider the hidden node problem, which has an increased impact on broadcast communications. We use the model in analyzing the relationship between system variables and performance metrics of each message type. The analysis results include confirming that the differentiated services work effectively in providing class specific quality of services under moderate traffic loads, and that the repeated transmission of urgent message is a meaningful countermeasure against the hidden node problem. It is also confirmed that the delivery time limit of urgent message is a crucial factor in tuning the channel switching operation.