Analysis and evaluation of the maximum throughput for data streaming over IEEE 802.15.4 wireless networks

Abstract

Recently, multiple novel applications have been developed using IEEE 802.15.4-based radio modules. In this paper, we focus on the maximum throughput that one can obtain with IEEE 802.15.4-based transceivers that operate in the license-free 2.4 GHz band using the 2450 direct-sequence spread spectrum physical layer. The results of the thorough maximum throughput analysis for single-hop and multi-hop data streaming scenarios in the beacon-enabled (with both contention access and contention-free periods) and nonbeacon-enabled networks are presented. The results of the analysis are compared with the results of the experiments, which were performed using contemporary IEEE 802.15.4 hardware transducers. Aside from defining the maximum possible throughput for the different scenarios, the presented data disclose the effect of various parameters on communication throughput and latency. The presented results reveal the capabilities of the IEEE 802.15.4 technology and enable one to estimate the feasibility of using the technology for particular applications.