Q-Win – A New Admission and Handoff Management Scheme for Multimedia LEO Satellite Networks

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks are deployed as an enhancement to terrestrial wireless networks in order to provide broadband services to users regardless of their location. In addition to global coverage, these satellite systems support communications with hand-held devices and offer low cost-per-minute access cost, making them promising platform for Personal Communication Services (PCS). LEO satellites are expected to support multimedia traffic and to provide their users with the negotiated Quality of Service (QoS). However, the limited bandwidth of the satellite channel, satellite rotation around the Earth and mobility of end-users makes QoS provisioning and mobility management a challenging task. One important mobility problem is the intra-satellite handoff management. The main contribution of this work is to propose Q-Win, a novel call admission and handoff management scheme for LEO satellite networks. A key ingredient in our scheme is a companion predictive bandwidth allocation strategy that exploits the topology of the network and contributes to maintaining high bandwidth utilization. Our bandwidth allocation scheme is specifically tailored to meet the QoS needs of multimedia connections. The performance of Q-Win is compared to that of two recent schemes proposed in the literature. Simulation results show that our scheme offers low call dropping probability, providing for reliable handoff of on-going calls, good call blocking probability for new call requests, while maintaining bandwidth utilization high.     

Efficient packet scheduling for heterogeneous multimedia provisioning over broadband satellite networks: An adaptive multidimensional QoS‐based design

With their inherent broadcast capabilities and reliable extensive geographical coverage, the broadband satellite networks are emerging as a promising approach for the delivery of multimedia services in 3G and beyond systems. Given the limited capacity of the satellite component, to meet the diverse quality of service (QoS) demands of multimedia applications, it is highly desired that the available resources can be adaptively utilized in an optimized way. In this paper, we draw our attention on the development and evaluation of an efficient packet scheduling scheme in a representative broadband satellite system, namely satellite digital multimedia broadcasting (SDMB), which is positioned as one of the most attractive solutions in the convergence of a closer integration with the terrestrial mobile networks for a cost‐effective delivery of point‐to‐multipoint services. By taking into account essential aspects of a successful QoS provisioning while preserving the system power/resource constraints, the proposed adaptive multidimensional QoS‐based (AMQ) packet scheduling scheme in this paper aims to effectively satisfy diverse QoS requirements and adaptively optimize the resource utilization for the satellite multimedia broadcasting. The proposed scheme is formulated via an adaptive service prioritization algorithm and an adaptive resource allocation algorithm. By taking into account essential performance criteria, the former is capable of prioritizing contending flows based on the QoS preferences and performance dynamics, while the latter allocates the resources, in an adaptive manner, according to the current QoS satisfaction degree of each session. Simulation results show that the AMQ scheme achieves significantly better performance than those of existing schemes on multiple performance metrics, e.g. delay, throughput, channel utilization and fairness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

卫星通信系统两步随机接入技术研究

为了实现卫星通信系统低延迟高可靠接入,研究了两步随机接入技术中的信道设计及接收端检测算法.针对卫星场景提出了一种两步随机接入信道设计方案,对两步随机接入信道中数据部分的信道结构以及前导和数据之间的映射方式进行了设计.针对传统最小均方串行干扰消除(Minimum Mean Squared Error-Successive Interference Cancellation,MMSE-SIC)算法中存在误差传播问题导致解码性能降低的问题,提出了一种多判决排序串行干扰消除(Multi-decision Ordered Successive Interference Cancellation,MD-OSIC)算法,以提升多用户发起接入时数据部分检测的可靠性.仿真结果验证了所设计信道及检测算法在典型卫星通信场景下应用的可行性.     

宽带GEO卫星网络媒体接入控制协议

宽带地球同步轨道（GEO）卫星通信网络中对媒体接入控制协议设计的目的就是在保障用户服务质量的同时提高系统资源利用率。概述了宽带GEO卫星网络的特点,总结了影响媒体接入控制协议性能的主要因素,重点对两种多址接入方案进行分析：基于混合式自适应分配机制的媒体接入控制协议和基于地面请求策略的动态分配多址接入协议。结果表明,提高网络性能的最佳方法是将有效的地面请求策略与合理的资源分配方式相结合。最后,对下一步的研究方向提出了建议。     

Delay guaranteed MDP scheduling scheme for HCCA based on 802.11p protocol in V2R environments

In recent years, the vehicular ad hoc network has attracted worldwide attention from academe and industry. Many researches have been executed to improve the quality of services (QoS) of the intelligent transportation system. However, current existing channel access schemes at the medium access control layer specified in 802.11 protocol, including hybrid coordination function control channel access (HCCA) and enhanced distributed channel access, could not efficiently achieve the QoS requirements in some special situations. This paper proposes a delay guaranteed HCCA (DG‐HCCA) scheduling scheme, which works based on a Markov decision process model and the measurement of historic performance, to guarantee the QoS enhanced data transmission for vehicles to roadside unit. Besides, this paper also presents a performance analysis model to systematically evaluate the system performance of the channel utility and the average delay. The performance of the proposed delay guaranteed HCCA scheduling scheme is compared with that of original HCCA scheme specified in 802.11p standard and other 2 HCCA improved schemes by the simulation experiments. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed solution could highly fulfill the transmission delay requirements with a better channel utility and less loss rates than those by the standard HCCA scheme and other 2 schemes.     

Fair resource allocation with guaranteed statistical QoS for multimedia traffic in wideband CDMA cellular network

A dynamic fair resource allocation scheme is proposed to efficiently support real-time and non-real-time multimedia traffic with guaranteed statistical quality of service (QoS) in the uplink of a wideband code-division multiple access (CDMA) cellular network. The scheme uses the generalized processor sharing (GPS) fair service discipline to allocate uplink channel-resources, taking into account the characteristics of channel fading and intercell interference. In specific, the resource allocated to each traffic flow is proportional to an assigned weighting factor. For real-time traffic, the assigned weighting factor is a constant in order to guarantee the traffic statistical delay bound requirement; for non-real-time traffic, the assigned weighting factor can be adjusted dynamically according to fading, channel states and the traffic statistical fairness bound requirement. Compared with the conventional static-weight scheme, the proposed dynamic-weight scheme achieves capacity gain. A flexible trade-off between the GPS fairness and efficient resource utilization can also be achieved. Analysis and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme enhances radio resource utilization and guarantees statistical QoS under different fairness bound requirements.     

A Cross-Layer Packet Scheduling Scheme for Multimedia Broadcasting via Satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcasting System [Advances in Mobile Multimedia]

In recent years, multimedia content broadcasting via satellite has attracted increased attention. The satellite digital multimedia broadcasting (S-DMB) system has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives for the efficient delivery of multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS). The design of an efficient radio resource management (RRM) strategy, especially the packet scheduling scheme, becomes a key technique for provisioning multimedia services at required quality of service (QoS) in S-DMB. In this article, we propose a novel cross-layer packet scheduling scheme that consists of a combined delay and rate differentiation (CDRD) service prioritization algorithm and a dynamic rate matching (DRM)-based resource allocation algorithm. The proposed scheme considers multiple key factors that span from the application layer to the physical layer, aiming at simultaneously guaranteeing diverse QoS while utilizing radio resources efficiently under the system power and resource constraints. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed cross-layer scheme achieves significantly better performance than existing schemes in queuing delay, jitter, and channel utilization.     

Dynamic resource allocation for DVB‐RCS networks

To provide high‐speed multimedia services using the digital video broadcasting‐return channel satellite (DVB‐RCS) standard, it is imperative to efficiently assign timeslots according to user demands and dynamically take into account the variations of the propagation conditions. In satellite networks operating above 10 GHz, rain fading constitutes the dominant factor deteriorating the quality of service. In this paper, a novel two‐phase resource allocation scheme for a DVB‐RCS compliant satellite network is proposed. The scheme operates in two phases, the resource calculation and the resource assignment. In the resource calculation phase, based on a dynamic channel model, an efficient algorithm is presented to determine the superframe design that maximizes system throughput. In the resource assignment phase, a novel Hybrid Bin‐packing algorithm is introduced maximizing the utilization of the multi‐frequency time division multiple access frame. The proposed algorithm has been compared with existing schemes exhibiting significantly better results with regard to overall system throughput. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A novel MAC protocol for IDMA‐based multi‐beam satellite communication systems

Considering the limitations of satellite communication systems and advantages of new emerging interleave‐division multiple access (IDMA) technology, IDMA is introduced into the satellite systems, providing a new solution for multiple access techniques of satellite systems. To further validate the IDMA into satellite systems, a novel medium access control (MAC) scheme is proposed. In the random access channel, the interleave‐division slotted ALOHA method is adopted to alleviate the collision of access requests. Furthermore, a novel minimum power allocation scheme based on signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) evolution is proposed to maximize the capacity of such an interference‐sensitive system. By virtue of SINR evolution, our proposed scheme can accurately estimate multi‐user detection efficiency with low computational cost and further reduce the transmitted power, illustrating the high power efficiency of IDMA. To further enhance the performance of the MAC protocol, an effective call admission control scheme considering the effect of power control error is designed and combined into our MAC protocol. Analysis and simulation results show that, by taking full advantage of the chip‐by‐chip multi‐user detection technique, the proposed IDMA MAC protocol achieves high throughput and low average packet delay simultaneously, with low onboard processing complexity in the multi‐beam satellite communication systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A demand-assignment algorithm based on a Markov modulated chain prediction model for satellite bandwidth allocation

This article deals with the problem of the design of a control-based demand-assignment algorithm for a satellite access network using a Markov modulated chain traffic prediction model. The objective is to guarantee a target Quality of Service (QoS) to Internet traffic, while efficiently exploiting the air interface. The proposed algorithm is in charge of dynamically partitioning the uplink bandwidth capacity in a satellite spotbeam among the in-progress connections. Such partition is performed aiming at matching the QoS requirements of each connection and maximizing the satellite bandwidth exploitation. A closed-loop Control Theory approach is adopted to efficiently tackle the problem of the delay between bandwidth requests and bandwidth assignments, while minimizing the signaling overhead caused by control messages. The algorithm efficiently copes with both the satellite propagation delay and the delays inherent in the periodic nature of the bandwidth request mechanism. The proposed demand-assignment algorithm and Markov chain traffic prediction model are shown to improve the overall satellite network performance through extensive simulation experiments.     

Interactive channel for multimedia satellite networks

Multimedia, including Internet traffic, can currently be multiplexed within the DVB/MPEG-2 formats and delivered direct to home users. Traditionally a slow terrestrial telephone link between the user and Internet service provider is used to request data. A direct return channel system will facilitate users' high-bit-rate bidirectional communication via satellite. The return link could be used for the fast Internet access or large data exchanges that will be necessary in a multimedia world. The satellite system not only removes the need for wires but also increases transfer speeds. Satellite interactive terminals can establish network connections via satellite and a ground-based hub. The DVB/MPEG-2 format carries up to 45 Mb/s in the forward link, and a multifrequency time-division multiple access scheme allows up to 2 Mbit/s in the return direction. The return channel of the interactive channel for multimedia satellite networks underwent final standardization by ETSI in early 2000. This article reviews the system concept of a typical implementation. The key features of the return channel air interface, from transmission parameter to login procedure, are explained. In general, Internet packets are expected to be carried via DVB/MPEG-2 in the forward direction and via ATM in the return direction. The IP transportation techniques are described     

Channel assignment with QoS guarantees for a multiclass multicode CDMA system

In a wireless system that supports multimedia services, each traffic requires different quality of service (QoS) at both communication on radio links and connection admission. We initially derive the uplink capacity satisfying the QoS constraint on radio links in a multiclass multicode code-division multiple-access (CDMA) system. Based on the derived capacity, the number of channel elements, which is one of the system resources, is determined. Then, we define the QoS parameters associated with connection processes. To guarantee the defined QoS at the connection level, under given channel elements, we propose a channel-assignment scheme with dynamic priority adjustment (DPA). The proposed scheme gives multipriority to different traffic classes. Real-time classes can preempt non-real-time classes with restricted preemptive priority. Such restriction is regulated by preemption-free code channels and a buffer threshold for non-real-time classes. Among real-time classes, different priorities are assigned to each traffic class by code reservation parameters. These multipriority parameters are dynamically adjusted in order to guarantee different QoS requirements. We analyze the DPA scheme by the matrix-geometric method, and evaluate the performance of each traffic class. The results show that the proposed scheme flexibly guarantees QoS depending on traffic loading condition and achieves high channel utilization.     

A New Connection Admission Control for Spotbeam Handover in LEO Satellite Networks

Frequent spotbeam handovers in low earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks require a technique to decrease the handover blocking probabilities. A large variety of schemes have been proposed to achieve this goal in terrestrial mobile cellular networks. Most of them focus on the notion of prioritized channel allocation algorithms. However, these schemes cannot provide the connection-level quality of service (QoS) guarantees. Due to the scarcity of resources in LEO satellite networks, a connection admission control (CAC) technique becomes important to achieve this connection-level QoS for the spotbeam handovers. In this paper, a geographical connection admission control (GCAC) algorithm is introduced, which estimates the future handover blocking performance of a new call attempt based on the user location database, in order to decrease the handover blocking. Also, for its channel allocation scheme, an adaptive dynamic channel allocation (ADCA) scheme is introduced. By simulation, it is shown that the proposed GCAC with ADCA scheme guarantees the handover blocking probability to a predefined target level of QoS. Since GCAC algorithm utilizes the user location information, performance evaluation indicates that the quality of service (QoS) is also guaranteed in the non-uniform traffic pattern.     

Cross-layer quality-driven adaptation for scheduling heterogeneous multimedia over 3G satellite networks

Wireless networks are experiencing a paradigm shift from focusing on the traditional data transfer to accommodating the rapidly increasing multimedia traffic. Hence, their scheduling algorithms have to concern not only network-oriented quality-of-service (QoS) profiles, but also application-oriented QoS targets. This is particularly challenging for satellite multimedia networks that lack fast closed-loop power control and reliable feedbacks. In this paper, we present a cross-layer packet scheduling scheme, namely Hybrid Queuing and Reception Adaptation (HQRA), which performs joint adaptations by considering the traffic information and QoS targets from the applications, the queuing dynamics induced from the network, as well as the end-to-end performance and channel variations from respective users. By jointly optimizing multiple performance criteria at different layers, the scheme enjoys quality-driven, channel-dependant, and network-aware features. HQRA can well accommodate return link diversity and the imperfect feedbacks, whilst ensuring robustness in highly heterogeneous and dynamic satellite environments. We evaluate its performance over diverse network and media configurations in comparison with the state-of-the-art solutions. We observe noticeable performance gains on application-oriented QoS, bandwidth utilization, and objective video quality, together with favorable fairness and scalability measures.     

Combining contention‐based access and dynamic service period allocation for performance improvement in IEEE 802.11ad mmWave WLAN

In IEEE 802.11ad millimeter wave wireless LANs, the directional multi‐giga bit stations (DMGSTAs) use contention‐based access periods (CBAPs) and scheduled service periods (SPs) for medium access. The STAs carrying non‐QoS traffic use CBAPs, while SPs are allocated for STAs carrying high QoS applications. During CBAP, the STAs use enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) scheme. Further, 802.11ad advocates dynamic allocation of SP for guaranteed data transmission based on a centralized polling scheme. The standard advocates that the coverage area around the access point can be divided into several sectors, and the total CBAP shall be divided among the sectors on a time sharing basis. The STAs residing within a sector simultaneously contend during the CBAP fraction of that sector. However, such STAs have to defer their transmission attempts and wait for the designated CBAP fraction of the succeeding beacon interval (BI), if the residual time in the current CBAP fraction is not sufficient for a frame transmission. This leads to very high delay and reduced throughput. The objective of this paper is to propose an efficient hybrid medium access control scheme, where the deferred STAs during CBAP are scheduled again by utilizing the unallocated slots in the SP of the same BI. We describe an analytical model for the throughput and the average frame delay, under the proposed scheme, and compare the performance against the legacy scheme, where the STAs use CBAP alone for channel access. The analytical and simulation results establish that the proposed scheme significantly improves the throughput and reduces the average frame delay.     

A satellite switched CDMA system for fixed service communications

Satellite-switched code-division multiple access is a system proposed for geostationary fixed satellite service. SS/CDMA provides both multiple access and switching to a multibeam satellite. In this article we present the system architecture and performance. The SS/CDMA consist of the common air interface (CAI) and the onboard code switching mechanism. The CAI provides signaling control and traffic channels. Traffic channel access and modulation is based on a spectrally efficient CDMA scheme. The satellite code-division switch (CDS) routes calls from an uplink to a downlink beam without onboard demodulation and channel decoding. This system operates with demand assignment control; that is, channel bandwidth and switch connections are only assigned per user request. The system can offer a wide variety of bit rates with wireline quality of service. The services provided are circuit-switched calls for voice data and video, and packet-switched for data. As shown, the proposed SE-CDMA can achieve high capacity and very low bit error rates at low signal-to-noise ratio. Also, the innovative switching technique can provide low complexity and achieve high throughput for all services     

Efficient channel utilization for real-time video in OVSF-CDMA systems with QoS assurance

In this paper, the utilization of real-time video service in the downlink of an orthogonal variable spreading factor code division multiple access (OVSF-CDMA) system is studied. By modeling the video traffic and wireless channel as a joint Markov modulated process, and properly partitioning the states of the Markov process, an adaptive rate allocation scheme is proposed for real-time video transmission with quality of service provisioning while achieving high channel utilization. The scheme is applicable for packet switching and frame-by-frame real-time video transmission, and incorporates both the physical layer and network layer characteristics. For QoS provisions, the closed form expressions of packet delay and loss probability are derived based on the Markov model. Analytical and simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme can significantly improve the channel utilization over the commonly used effective bandwidth approach.     

Hybrid access scheme based on one-phase preamble and channel monitoring/assignment for satellite communications

In this letter, we propose a hybrid access scheme for satellite communications, taking into account the long propagation delay. The proposed scheme uses the one-phase preamble of 3GPP2 for fast access and applies the channel monitoring/assignment scheme of 3GPP for more reliable transmission. The results of analysis and simulation show that the proposed scheme achieves high throughput and low delay according to propagation delays in satellite communication environments.     

Optimization of spectrum utilization in cognitive radio system

In Cognitive Radio (CR) networks, CR user has to detect the spectrum channel periodically to make sure that the channel is idle during data transmission frame in order to avoid the collisions to the primary users. Hence recent research has been focused on the interference avoidance problem. Quality of Service (QoS) requirement of CR user will affect the time of data transmission in each frame. In this paper, in order to solve the interference avoidance and spectrum utilization problems without cooperation among CR users, a new scheme to obtain the optimal duration of data transmission frame is proposed to maximize the spectrum utilization and guarantee the protection to the primary users. The main advantages of our proposed scheme include the followings: (1) QoS requirement of CR user is concerned; (2) p-persistent Media Access Control (MAC) random access is used to avoid the collisions among CR users; (3) CR network system capacity is considered. We develop a Markov chain of the primary spectrum channel states and an exponential distribution of the CR user??s traffic model to analyze the performance of our proposed scheme. Computer simulation shows that there is an optimal data transmission time to maximize the spectrum utilization. However, the regulatory constraint of the collision rate to the primary users has to be satisfied at the expense of spectrum utilization. And also the tradeoff between the spectrum utilization and the capacity of the CR system is taken into account.