Modeling and Analysis of Finite-Scale Clustered Backscatter Communication Networks

Backscatter communication (BackCom) is an intriguing technology that enables devices to transmit information by reflecting environmental radio frequency signals while consuming ultra-low energy. Applying BackCom in the Internet of things (IoT) networks can effectively address the power-unsustainability issue of energy-constraint devices. Considering many practical IoT applications, networks are finite-scale and devices are needed to be deployed at hotspot regions organized in clusters to cooperate for specific tasks. This paper considers finite-scale clustered backscatter communication networks (F-CBackCom Nets). To ensure communications, this paper establishes a theoretic model to analyze the communication connectivity of F-CBackCom Nets. Different from prior studies analyzing the connectivity with a focus on the transmission pair located at the center of the network, this paper analyzes the connectivity of a transmission pair located in an arbitrary location, because the performance of transmission pairs potentially varies with their network location. Extensive simulations validate the accuracy of our analytical model. Our results show that the connectivity of a transmission pair can be affected by its network location. Our analytical model and results can offer beneficial implications for constructing F-CBackCom Nets.