Goodput Modelling and Optimisation of Channel Assignment For Planning IEEE 802.11Wireless Backhaul Networks

Abstract

<p>IEEE 802.11Wireless backhaul networks (WBNs) provide scalable and cost-effective solutions for interconnecting small-cell networks and backbone networks or Internet. With newer and farther reaching applications being developed in IEEE 802.11 WBNs, such as smart grids and intelligent transportation systems, users expect high goodput and better fairness. However, some performance issues in IEEE 802.11 protocols such as border effect, exposed nodes and hidden nodes are exacerbated as network densification occurs, leading to goodput degradation and severe unfairness such as flow starvation (extreme low goodput). These issues may cause an IEEE 802.11 WBN to form a bottleneck and impact the overall network performance. Therefore, in-depth study is required in order to improve the IEEE 802.11 WBN planning to achieve better goodput and fairness. This research aims to improve IEEE 802.11 WBN planning through goodput modelling and optimising channel assignment. A novel simple goodput distribution model is proposed to predict goodput and fairness in IEEE 802.11 WBNs. Simulation results show that the proposed goodput model accurately predicts goodput with consideration of carrier sensing effect and traffic demands. Based on this goodput model, a new interference model is proposed to more realistically reflect both local and global interference in IEEE 802.11 WBNs. With the proposed interference model, two anti-starvation channel assignments have been developed to prevent flow starvation. Simulation validations show that the new anti-starvation channel assignments effectively prevent flow starvation and improve network fairness in IEEE 802.11 WBNs. This research also optimises channel assignment to achieve desired fairness and goodput. A multi-objective optimisation problem is formulated and a new fitness function is designed to evaluate a channel allocation with accurate prediction of goodput and fairness. Utilising the new fitness function, two multi-objective channel assignments have been developed to achieve both fairness and goodput. Compared with existing channel assignments through simulation, the proposed multi-objective channel assignments provide a set of feasible solutions that meet desired fairness and goodput. This research helps network planners or service providers to improve the IEEE 802.11 WBN planning from predicting network performance to optimising goodput and fairness. The proposed goodput model, interference model, and fitness function are also useful for node placement, and optimising routing and scheduling in IEEE 802.11 WBNs.</p>