Performance Comparison of IEEE 802.11 DCF and EDCA for Beaconing in Vehicular Networks

Abstract

For use in vehicular networks, IEEE 802.11p has been standardized as the underlying wireless system. The 802.11 standard distinguishes two main methods of operation with respect to channel access, the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) and the Enhanced Distributed Channel Access (EDCA), where the latter is the mandated method to be used in vehicular networks (in 802.11p). We present validated analytical models for both DCF and EDCA, and compare both methods in the context of beaconing.We will show that, surprisingly,DCF outperforms EDCA under assumptions that are realistic for beaconing in vehicular networks.