Constructions of robust protocol sequences for wireless sensor and ad hoc networks

A class of periodic unipolar binary sequences is investigated for their potential applications in defining new protocols for distributed multiple accessing. Based on linear congruence sequences, one can show that, for any finite subset of these sequences, with the total proportional rate not exceeding a specific threshold, there cannot be enough collisions to completely block any particular sequence, no matter how they are shifted with respect to one another. This property can be exploited in certain applications, such as wireless sensor and ad hoc networks. A further investigation into how to enhance the allowable rate sum is conducted. New protocol sequences with interesting and useful properties are accordingly designed. Index Terms--Collision channel without feedback, multiple access, protocol sequence, shift invariant, user unsuppressibility.