Hidden Node and Exposed Node Problems
🔒 Hidden Node Problem The Hidden Node Problem occurs in wireless networks when two devices, A and C, can communicate with a central device B, but A and C cannot hear each other’s transmissions. Scenario: A and C transmit data to B simultaneously, causing a collision at B. Since A and C cannot detect each other, this results in hidden collisions. Impact: Reduced throughput and increased retransmissions. Inefficiency in the network due to wasted bandwidth and collisions. Solution: Request to Send / Clear to Send (RTS/CTS) RTS/CTS is used to reserve the medium before data transmission. Device A sends a Request to Send (RTS) to device B, and B responds with a Clear to Send (CTS). If another device (like C) hears the CTS, it knows the channel is reserved and refrains from transmitting. 🌐 Exposed Node Problem The Exposed Node Problem happens when a device, A, hears the transmission of device B but is not in the range of the receiver (C). Device A may unnecessarily hold off from transmitting, thinking it will cause interference, even though it won’t. ...