On the Throughput of Channel Access Algorithms with Limited Sensing

We consider some access protocols for Aloha type multiaccess channels. We argue, and show in an important case, that they can be modified t o allow new transmitters to join the system at arbitrary times. This feature, known as "limited sensing" or "continuous entry" need NOT reduce throughput performances. In the case presented, the modified algorithm i s also robust with respect to feedback errors. This research was conducted at the M.I.T. Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems with partial support provided by the National Science Foundation under Grant NSF-ECS-8310698 and by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency under Contract ONR/N00014-84-K-0357.