Bulk File Download Throughput in a Single Station WLAN with Nonzero Propagation Delay

Abstract: We analyze TCP-controlled bulk file transfers in a single station (STA) WLAN with nonzero propagation delay between the file server and the WLAN. Our approach is to model the flow of packets as a closed queueing network (BCMP network) with 3 service centres, one each for the Access Point (AP) and the STA, and the third for the propagation delay. The service rates of the first two are obtained by analyzing the WLAN MAC. Simulations show a very close match with the theory.