Wireless Channel Selection With Non-Invasive Power Probing

Non-Invasive power probing refers to a technique in which a wireless device interrogates a given wireless frequency or channel by transmitting a small amount of power while measuring the change in received interference in order to determine the medium's reactivity and subsequent tolerance to additional usage. In this paper, we consider non-invasive active power probing mechanism and use these mechanisms to determine the best channel for a wireless user in a heterogenous decentralized network. While sensing only reveals the current channel interference, this active probing technique allows for consideration of both the current interference environment as well as the reactivity of existing channel conditions to a new source of interference. This gives insight into the interplay between the new device and the users already established on the channel. Specifically, we consider the history of transmission power control and active probing in wireless protocols, we develop network scenarios and simulate passive probing and active probing using Foschini-Miljanic power control. These simulations suggest that system level power savings can be achieved using non-invasive power probing.