Modeling and Performance Analysis of CSMA-Based JCAS Networks

Abstract: Joint communication and sensing (JCAS) networks are envisioned as a key enabler for a variety of applications which demand reliable wireless connectivity along with accurate and robust sensing capability. When sensing and communication share the same spectrum, the communication links in the JCAS networks experience interference from both sensing and communication signals. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze the interference caused by the uncoordinated transmission of either sensing or communication signals, so that effective interference mitigation techniques could be put in place. We consider a JCAS network consisting of dual-functional nodes operating in radar and communication modes. To gain access to the shared communication channel, each node follows carrier sense multiple access (CSMA)-based protocol. For this setting, we study the radar and communication performances defined in terms of maximum unambiguous range and aggregated network throughput, respectively. Leveraging on the stochastic geometry approach, we model the interference of the network and derive a closed-form expression for both radar and communication performance metrics. Finally, we verify our analytical results through extensive simulation.