Analytical modelling device for distributed multiaccess protocols

Various protocols for channel-access arbitration in bus networks have been proposed in the literature. In this work, I present a general model which can be used to analyze and compare in a unified manner the steady-state behavior of any of these protocols. The global behavior of a multiaccess protocol for a bus network is characterized by a transmission phase, a resolution phase and an idle phase. Steady-state equations for a general-service distribution are derived for each phase using the method of supplementary variables. The resulting model is then employed to determine the steady-state behavior of two classes of networks: those with a finite number of stations and those with a number of stations large enough to be considered infinite. Numerical examples are then given for two specific service distributions to illustrate the effect of specific parameters on the performance of a multiaccess protocol.