Wireless networks have become a ubiquitous part of our lives. Apart from the already prevalent cellular networks, and Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) based wireless networks, upcoming networking solutions such as ad hoc networks, sensor networks, and wireless mesh networks, are beginning to see deployment. This work poses and answers several fundamental questions about such wireless networks, concerning their capacity, optimal configuration, and protocol design.

We consider the question of explicitly computing the capacity of an arbitrary wireless network, which we answer by constructing an optimally configured scheduled network, from the nodes and flows specified. Specifically, we construct a network whose design is fully specified, in terms of the set of links, their physical layer parameters, the set of flow routes, and the link transmission schedules. In doing so, we also investigate just how a wireless network is different from a wireline one. Specifically, we contribute significantly to understanding what is an appropriate model for the (wireless) physical layer, from a networking perspective.

We also examine protocol design for random access wireless networks where nodes form links on an ad hoc basis, using some form of randomization to access the wireless medium. This is in contrast with using precise link transmission schedules, as described above. Specifically, we propose: (i) 2CM (two channel MAC - medium access control), a MAC protocol that provides a comprehensive solution to all the critical problems associated with collision avoidance; and (ii) an energy-efficient, address-light, integrated MAC and routing protocol (entitled AIMRP), for an event-detecting sensor network.