Dual-Zone Hard-Core Model for RTS/CTS Handshake Analysis in WLANs

This paper introduces a new stochastic geometry-based model to analyze the Request-to-Send/Clear-to-Send (RTS/CTS) handshake mechanism in wireless local area networks (WLANs). We develop an advanced hard-core point process model, termed the dual-zone hard-core process (DZHCP), which extends traditional hard-core models to capture the spatial interactions and exclusion effects introduced by the RTS/CTS mechanism. This model integrates key parameters accounting for the thinning effects imposed by RTS/CTS, enabling a refined characterization of active transmitters in the network. Analytical expressions are derived for the intensity of the DZHCP, the mean interference, and an approximation of the success probability, providing insight into how network performance depends on critical design parameters. Our results demonstrate that the Type II RTS/CTS mechanism significantly reduces mean interference by introducing additional protection regions, effectively mitigating the impact of nearby interferers. Compared to CSMA-based schemes, it achieves a lower mean interference level while maintaining a comparable or higher active node density.