Leveraging Multiple Channels in Ad Hoc Networks

TL;DR

This paper investigates the benefits of using multiple communication channels in wireless networks under the SINR model, demonstrating linear speedup for data aggregation and node coloring problems through hierarchical algorithms.

Contribution

It introduces a hierarchical structure enabling linear speedup in data aggregation and node coloring in multi-channel wireless networks under SINR interference.

Findings

Linear speedup achieved for data aggregation.

New algorithm with linear speedup for node coloring.

Hierarchical structure of independent interest introduced.

Abstract

We examine the utility of multiple channels of communication in wireless networks under the SINR model of interference. The central question is whether the use of multiple channels can result in linear speedup, up to some fundamental limit. We answer this question affirmatively for the data aggregation problem, perhaps the most fundamental problem in sensor networks. To achieve this, we form a hierarchical structure of independent interest, and illustrate its versatility by obtaining a new algorithm with linear speedup for the node coloring problem.