Exploiting Capture Diversity for Performance Enhancement of ALOHA-Based Multi-Static Backscattering Systems in the 6G Perspective

In this paper, we consider the emerging context of ALOHA-based multi-static backscattering communication systems. By assuming an architecture consisting of a set of passive backscattering nodes, an illuminator, and a set of spatially dislocated receivers, we firstly propose a cross-layer framework for performance analysis. The model jointly accounts for the shared wireless channel, including fading and capture effect, and channel contention strategy, which is regulated by a Framed Slotted ALOHA protocol. Furthermore, based on the inherent macroscopic diversity offered by the multi-static settings, we introduce the concept of capture diversity, which is shown to enable multiple packet detection in slots with multiple transmissions. In order to characterize the multiple access interference and approximate the capture probabilities, we enforce a log-normal approximation of the inverse Signal-to-Interference Ratio that relies on moment matching. Numerical results show the impact of deployment scenarios and the relative positions of illuminator, backscattering nodes, and receivers on the system normalized throughput. We show how the number of detection points impacts the system performance under various channel conditions. Moreover, the accuracy of the proposed approximation rationale is validated via Monte Carlo simulations. Finally, we analyze the optimal frame length in the presence of capture diversity.