A Beacon Transmission Power Control Algorithm Based on Wireless Channel Load Forecasting in VANETs

• Published in: PloS one 2015-11, Vol.10 (11), p.e0142775-e0142775
• Main Authors: Mo, Yuanfu, Yu, Dexin, Song, Jun, Zheng, Kun, Guo, Yajuan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ad hoc networks; Algorithms; Beacons; Cities; Communication; Computer Communication Networks; Computer Simulation; Control stability; Control theory; Electricity consumption; Floating structures; Forecasting; Kalman filter; Kalman filters; Load; Mobile ad hoc networks; Power control; Sensors; Signal processing; Traffic; Traffic congestion; Traffic flow; Traffic surveys; Transmissions (automotive); Vehicles; Wireless communications; Wireless networks; Wireless Technology
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142775

In a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET), the periodic exchange of single-hop status information broadcasts (beacon frames) produces channel loading, which causes channel congestion and induces information conflict problems. To guarantee fairness in beacon transmissions from each node and maximum network connectivity, adjustment of the beacon transmission power is an effective method for reducing and preventing channel congestion. In this study, the primary factors that influence wireless channel loading are selected to construct the KF-BCLF, which is a channel load forecasting algorithm based on a recursive Kalman filter and employs multiple regression equation. By pre-adjusting the transmission power based on the forecasted channel load, the channel load was kept within a predefined range; therefore, channel congestion was prevented. Based on this method, the CLF-BTPC, which is a transmission power control algorithm, is proposed. To verify KF-BCLF algorithm, a traffic survey method that involved the collection of floating car data along a major traffic road in Changchun City is employed. By comparing this forecast with the measured channel loads, the proposed KF-BCLF algorithm was proven to be effective. In addition, the CLF-BTPC algorithm is verified by simulating a section of eight-lane highway and a signal-controlled urban intersection. The results of the two verification process indicate that this distributed CLF-BTPC algorithm can effectively control channel load, prevent channel congestion, and enhance the stability and robustness of wireless beacon transmission in a vehicular network.