MATLAB Implementation and Performance Comparison of Pure ALOHA vs Slotted ALOHA Protocols

This article presents the implementation and comparison of Pure ALOHA and Slotted ALOHA algorithms using MATLAB code. The analysis focuses on throughput performance metrics and demonstrates how modifying the number of tags influences throughput values. Pure ALOHA is a classical random access protocol where nodes can transmit data frames at any time. In contrast, Slotted ALOHA divides time into discrete slots and requires nodes to begin transmission only at slot boundaries. Both protocols have extensive applications in network communications and are compared across multiple performance dimensions. The MATLAB implementation demonstrates how to simulate these protocols using event-driven programming approach. The code includes key components such as packet generation modules, collision detection algorithms, and throughput calculation functions. Throughput, defined as the number of successfully transmitted bits per unit time, serves as the primary performance metric. The implementation uses probability-based transmission models where each tag's transmission behavior follows Poisson distribution patterns. The code structure allows modification of system parameters including the number of tags, packet generation rates, and simulation duration. By adjusting these parameters, users can observe how throughput values change under different network load conditions. The simulation includes statistical analysis modules that calculate success rates, collision probabilities, and optimal operating points for both protocols. In summary, this article provides a concise introduction to Pure ALOHA and Slotted ALOHA protocols with practical MATLAB implementations for performance comparison. The code enables comprehensive analysis of throughput characteristics and demonstrates the impact of tag population variations on protocol efficiency.