Understanding cellular ad hoc networks: how much an accurate physical layer model matters

Incorporating relays is a first step in the evolution of wide area wireless information networks R. Wang, et. al., (2002) from the extreme of the cellular paradigm to the opposite extreme of ad hoc. An accurate model of the physical layer in ad hoc networking research, something frequently taken for granted, is shown to have a significant impact on network performance (i.e. delay and number of hops, assuming throughput fixed). We see through our cross-layer simulation platform that noticeable changes in performance accompany subtle differences in physical layer assumptions, such as those relating to fading and interference.