Cross-Layer Design in Wireless Mesh Networks

Abstract

Abstract-The conventional layered-protocol architecture does not provide optimal performance for wireless mesh networks (WMNs). The method of optimization decomposition of the protocol stack can achieve optimal network performance. This method usually results in a clean-slate protocol architecture that is different from the protocol architecture of WMNs. Such a difference actually demonstrates the need for a cross-layer design. Specific features pertaining to WMNs also show the need for cross-layer optimization across different protocol layers. In this paper, motivations for cross-layer design in WMNs are stated first. Moreover, cross-layer optimization schemes and algorithms between different protocol layers are investigated with an objective of shedding light on open research problems and new approaches. Guidelines for carrying out cross-layer design in WMNs are also provided in this paper.

A Generic Service Interface for Cloud Networks

“…The socket interface appears to be rather restrictive in expressing the dynamism and plasticity necessary for engineering custom services, integrating new methodologies (Akyildiz and Wang, 2008;Chiang et al, 2007) and diverse technologies, and embedding new functions in the network stack. Regarding the last, it is worth noting that most operating systems today provide frameworks for enriching a systems network functionality, but is enabled through proprietary interfaces not programmatically expressed at the socket level.…”

“…In this sense, WMNs intend to provide cloud-like services by federating different wireless link resources under a unified dynamic wireless multihop infrastructure. In the achievement of this goal a number of challenges manifest the need for cross-layer design (Akyildiz and Wang, 2008) in order to integrate effectively the diverse wireless network technologies (802.11 (IEEESTD.5307322, 2009), 802.16 (IEEESTD.265774, 2005, LTE (LTE-SAE, 2008)) and radio communication solutions (multiradio/multichannel nodes, directional antennas, etc), in face of heterogeneous QoS constraints, multihop relaying, and variability in link capacity. A second challenge is presented as a requirement for distributed management and dynamic coordination, in order to allow the network to self-configure ("plugand-play" fashion), organise and optimise its servicing capacity, and incorporate self-healing capabilities in case of failures.…”

Cross-Layering between Physical Layer and Routing in Wireless Ad-Hoc Networks

“…For instance, possible strategies include shortest-path routing [4], energy-aware routing [5,6,7], highest stability routing [8], or least-congested route selection [8]. Meanwhile, these approaches typically do not take into account the cross-layer interactions suggested in [9,10,3], which clearly highlight the impact that physical layer has on routing efficiency. In particular, the bit error rate (BER) at the end of a multi-hop route may, under certain conditions, represent a good indicator of the physical layer status [11,12].…”

Performance Optimization of Network Protocols for IEEE 802.11s-based Smart Grid Communications

“…Instead of using the Internet layer routing, IEEE 802.11s incorporates routing at the MAC layer (i.e., cross-layer approach [10]) called Hybrid Wireless Mesh Protocol (HWMP). It also supports Quality of Service (QoS) traffic by incorporating IEEE 802.11e standard [11].…”

“…Wireless networks have four major characteristics that distinguish them from wired networks [14]: (1) channel contention; (2) signal fading; (3) mobility; and (4) limited power and energy. Although a variety of optimization protocol improvements have been proposed for wireless network, some of which may involve cross-layer optimizations [15,16,10], these improved protocols may not adequate when they are implemented for SG communications network due to the specific SG requirements in terms of Reliability, Security, and Privacy. Even though there have been some initiatives to improve the TCP/IP protocol for SG wireless communications network in recent years, but the works are limited to the routing protocols for SG [4] and only few works on other TCP/IP protocol layers [17,18].…”