Network planning in wireless ad hoc networks: a cross-Layer approach

In this paper, the network planning problem in wireless ad hoc networks is formulated as the problem of allocating physical and medium access layer resources or supplies to minimize a cost function, while fulfilling certain end-to-end communication demands, which are given as a collection of multicast sessions with desired transmission rates. We propose an iterative cross-layer optimization, which alternates between: 1) jointly optimizing the timesharing in the medium access layer and the sum of max of flows assignment in the network layer and 2) updating the operational states in the physical layer. We consider two objectives, minimizing aggregate congestion and minimizing power consumption, respectively, corresponding to operating in a bandwidth-limited regime and in an energy-limited regime. The end result is a set of achievable tradeoffs between throughput and energy efficiency, in a given wireless network with a given traffic pattern. We evaluate our approach quantitatively by simulations of community wireless networks and compare with designs that decouple the layers. We demonstrate that significant performance advantages can be achieved by adopting a full-fledged cross-layer optimization. Furthermore, we observe that optimized solutions generally profit from network coding, physical-layer broadcasting, and traffic-dependent physical states.     

Cross-Layer Optimization for Data Rate Utility Problem in UWB-based Ad Hoc Networks

There is growing interest in employing ultra-wideband (UWB) communication systems at the physical layer for multihop wireless networks. Recent efforts show that networking problems involving UWB systems should follow a cross-layer approach with consideration at multiple layers. Due to the nonlinear nature of the optimization problem, there are very limited theoretical results for this important problem. In this paper, we address this problem by considering a UWB-based ad hoc network. We study how to maximize capacity (in the form of a data rate utility) for a set of communication sessions. Via a cross-layer approach, we formulate this utility maximization problem into a nonlinear programming (NLP) problem, which takes into consideration routing, scheduling, and power control. We develop a solution procedure based on the so-called branch-and-bound framework. Within this framework, we employ a powerful optimization technique called reformulation linearization technique (RLT). We use numerical results to validate the efficacy of this solution procedure and offer insights on UWB-based ad hoc networks. This work provides a theoretical result for the achievable performance bound for a UWB-based ad hoc network.     

Collision avoidance in TV white spaces: a cross-layer design approach for cognitive radio networks

One of the most promising applications of cognitive radio networks (CRNs) is the efficient exploitation of TV white spaces (TVWSs) for enhancing the performance of wireless networks. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer design (CLD) of carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) mechanism at the medium access control (MAC) layer with spectrum sensing (SpSe) at the physical layer, for identifying the occupancy status of TV bands. The proposed CLD relies on a Markov chain model with a state pair containing both the SpSe and the CSMA/CA from which we derive the collision probability and the achievable throughput. Analytical and simulation results are obtained for different collision avoidance and SpSe implementation scenarios by varying the contention window, back off stage and probability of detection. The obtained results depict the achievable throughput under different collision avoidance and SpSe implementation scenarios indicating thereby the performance of collision avoidance in TVWSs-based CRNs.     

Cross-Layer Radio Resource Allocation for Multicarrier Air Interfaces in Multicell Multiuser Environments

Packet scheduling over shared channels is one of the most attractive issues for researchers dealing with radio resource allocation in wireless networks as modern systems' different traffic types, with different application requirements, need to coexist over the air interface. Recently, attention has been attracted to multicarrier techniques and the application of cross-layer approaches to the design of wireless systems. In this paper, a radio access network using a multicarrier air interface is considered in a multicell multiuser context. We propose a new cross-layer scheduling algorithm that manages channel, physical layer, and application-related information; we compare its performance with a previously published cross-layer strategy and with simpler well-known channel-aware or channel-unaware techniques and then discuss its optimization. We investigate the performance in terms of perceived user quality and fairness in the presence of mixed realistic traffic composed of H.264 video streaming with tight bounds on the delay jitter and file transfer protocol (FTP) data. To support video traffic, application-suited buffer-management techniques are also considered in conjunction with scheduling, and link adaptation is implemented at the physical layer to better exploit channel fluctuations. The role of scheduling and resource-allocation functionalities are discussed. It is shown that the cross-layer strategy proposed guarantees the same performance obtained by the previously published algorithm while reducing complexity. Moreover, under heavily loaded conditions, the cross-layer scheduling strategy provides a significant gain with respect to simple channel-aware or channel-unaware techniques.     

Modeling and Optimization of Transmission Schemes in Energy-Constrained Wireless Sensor Networks

We consider a wireless sensor network with energy constraints. We model the energy consumption in the transmitter circuit along with that for data transmission. We model the bottom three layers of the traditional networking stack - the link layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, and the routing layer. Using these models, we consider the optimization of transmission schemes to maximize the network lifetime. We first consider the optimization of a single layer at a time, while keeping the other layers fixed. We make certain simplifying assumptions to decouple the layers and formulate optimization problems to compute a strategy that maximizes the network lifetime. We then extend this approach to cross-layer optimization of time division multiple access (TDMA) wireless sensor networks. In this case, we construct optimization problems to compute the optimal transmission schemes to an arbitrary degree of accuracy and efficiently. We then consider networks with interference, and propose methods to compute approximate solutions to the resulting optimization problems. We give numerical examples that illustrate the computational approaches as well as the benefits of cross-layer design in wireless sensor networks.     

Joint design of physical and MAC layer by applying the constellation rearrangement technique in cooperative multi-hop networks

Cooperative diversity schemes can be seen as an extension of spatial diversity systems, where distributed antennas are placed in relay nodes distributed in space as compared to a single multi-antenna source or receiver in conventional spatial diversity systems. Such cooperative communication systems improve the diversity gain significantly. In this paper a cross layer optimization scheme, based on cooperative diversity along with constellation rearrangement, is proposed for minimizing energy toll and enhancing the network longevity. By utilizing a cross-layer cooperative strategy, distributive algorithms are proposed for the dependability restriction multi-hop networks. We demonstrate through simulations that the proposed cross-layer cooperative strategies along with constellation rearrangement achieve considerable energy savings and extend the network longevity significantly. Finally the proposed scheme is evaluated through NS2 simulations in terms of throughput and delay.     

无线通信中跨层设计的研究

为了适应下一代通信系统的需求,需要对无线网络资源进行科学的整体管理,提出了跨层设计这种新的系统优化方法。文中通过对各类跨层设计的分析、对跨层优化步骤的阐述和对跨层优化实现方法的描述,打破传统分层设计中"层"的界限,对物理层、数据链路层和应用层等参数进行联合优化,获得各种通信性能指标之间的平衡,使总体通信性能最优。分析和仿真结果表明,在一般信道信噪比的情况下,跨层设计对视频通信质量有明显的改善,峰值信噪比提高了0.6～1.0 dB。     

Mote-based underwater sensor networks: opportunities, challenges, and guidelines

Most underwater networks rely on expensive specialized hardware for acoustic communication and modulation. This has impeded wide scale deployments of underwater sensor networks and has forced researchers to use simulations to investigate these systems. To address these issues, this paper examines a system that integrates off-the-shelf acoustic hardware built-in to sensor modules with software modems for establishing underwater acoustic links. Because the hardware in our system is readily available, we have conducted several rounds of field experiments to evaluate it. Building on our recent field experiments in a river, canal, pond, and swimming pool, this paper outlines the technical and logistical challenges for deploying software-driven underwater sensor networks. The design choices include methods for signal modulation at the sender, and symbol synchronization, signal filtering, and signal demodulation at the receiver. We also discuss higher layer communication protocol issues, with a focus on cross-layer optimization, as well as practical solutions to logistical deployment challenges, such as waterproofing and casing, calibration, and fouling. The design guidelines in this paper lay the groundwork for further development of software-driven of underwater sensor networks.     

Cross-layer wireless multimedia transmission: challenges, principles, and new paradigms

Wireless networks are poised to enable a variety of existing and emerging multimedia streaming applications. As the use of wireless local area networks spreads beyond simple data transfer to bandwidth-intense, delay-sensitive, and loss-tolerant multimedia applications, addressing quality of service issues become extremely important. Currently, a multitude of protection and adaptation strategies exists in the different layers of the open systems interconnection (OSI) stack. Hence, an in-depth understanding and comparative evaluation of these strategies are necessary to effectively assess and enable the possible trade-offs in multimedia quality, power consumption, implementation complexity, and spectrum utilization that are provided by the various OSI layers. This further opens the question of cross-layer optimization and its effectiveness in providing an improved solution with respect to the above trade-offs. In this article we formalize the cross-layer problem, discuss its challenges, and present several possible solutions. Moreover, we also discuss the impact the cross-layer optimization strategy deployed at one station has on the multimedia performance of other stations. We introduce a new fairness concept for wireless multimedia systems that employs different cross-layer strategies, and show its advantages when compared to existing resource allocation mechanisms used in wireline communications. Finally, we propose a new paradigm for wireless communications based on competition, which allows wireless stations to harvest additional resources or free up resources as well as optimally and dynamically adapt their cross-layer transmission strategies to improve multimedia quality and/or power consumption.     

Cross-layer optimization of wireless networks using nonlinear column generation

We consider the problem of finding the jointly optimal end-to-end communication rates, routing, power allocation and transmission scheduling for wireless networks. In particular, we focus on finding the resource allocation that achieves fair end-to-end communication rates. Using realistic models of several rate and power adaption schemes, we show how this cross-layer optimization problem can be formulated as a nonlinear mathematical program. We develop a specialized solution method, based on a nonlinear column generation technique, and prove that it converges to the globally optimal solution. We present computational results from a large set of networks and discuss the insight that can be gained about the influence of power control, spatial reuse, routing strategies and variable transmission rates on network performance.     

Cross-layer design and analysis of WSN-based mobile target detection systems

The limited node capabilities typical of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) call for cross-layer design optimization. In this paper, we address the problem of designing and operating long-lasting surveillance mobile target detection applications for unattended WSNs with a priori knowledge of the nodes’ positions. In particular, we focus on the cross-layer interaction between the sensing layer (devoted to the detection of a mobile target crossing the monitored area) and the communication layer (devoted to the transmission of the alert, upon detection, from a sensing node to the network sink). The performance of the sensing layer is characterized by the probability of target missed detection and the delay before the first sensor detection act. The communication layer is investigated considering two Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols: X-MAC [1] and the novel Cascade (Cas)-MAC protocol, inspired by the principles of the D-MAC protocol [2]. At both layers, we validate analytical models through realistic simulations and experiments. The cross-layer interaction between the two layers is achieved considering a proper model for the network lifetime, based on the average energy depletion at the node level. Finally, to highlight the benefits of the proposed framework, we present a cross-layer optimization approach for the configuration of the system parameters, considering several relevant network topologies.     

基于跨层网络演算模型的无线网络移动性能分析

为了研究终端移动对无线网络服务质量(QoS)的影响,该文建立了跨层网络演算模型来计算通信终端处于不同移动速度下无线网络的延时积压性能参数。该模型的建立结合了跨层分析思想和网络演算理论,将无线网络中网络层、链路层及物理层等层次的特性映射为一系列网络演算模块的串联。基于构造的模型应用网络演算能够方便地推导出终端处于不同移动速度下无线网络的服务曲线,进而计算出网络的延时积压性能。仿真结果表明,构造的跨层网络演算模型可以准确地分析终端在不同移动速度下无线网络的延时积压性能。     

Cross-layer design: a survey and the road ahead

Of late, there has been an avalanche of cross-layer design proposals for wireless networks. A number of researchers have looked at specific aspects of network performance and, approaching cross-layer design via their interpretation of what it implies, have presented several cross-layer design proposals. These proposals involve different layers of the protocol stack, and address both cellular and ad hoc networks. There has also been work relating to the implementation of cross-layer interactions. It is high time that these various individual efforts be put into perspective and a more holistic view be taken. In this article, we take a step in that direction by presenting a survey of the literature in the area of cross-layer design, and by taking stock of the ongoing work. We suggest a definition for cross-layer design, discuss the basic types of cross-layer design with examples drawn from the literature, and categorize the initial proposals on how cross-layer interactions may be implemented. We then highlight some open challenges and new opportunities for cross-layer design. Designers presenting cross-layer design proposals can start addressing these as they move ahead.     

Cross-layer optimized authentication and error control for wireless 3D medical video streaming over LTE

3D video for tele-medicine applications is gradually gaining momentum since the 3D technology can provide precise location information. However, the weak link for 3D video streaming is the necessary wireless link of the communication system. Neglecting the wireless impairments can severely degrade the performance of 3D video streaming that communicates complex critical medical data. In this paper, we propose systematic methodology for ensuring high performance of the 3D medical video streaming system. First, we present a recursive end-to-end distortion estimation approach for MVC (multiview video coding)-based 3D video streaming over error-prone networks by considering the 3D inter-view prediction. Then, based on the previous model, we develop a cross-layer optimization scheme that considers the LTE wireless physical layer (PHY). In this optimization, the authentication requirements of 3D medical video are also taken into account. The proposed cross-layer optimization approach jointly controls and manages the authentication, video coding quantization of 3D video, and the modulation and channel coding scheme (MCS) of the LTE wireless PHY to minimize the end-to-end video distortion. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can provide superior 3D medical video streaming performance in terms of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) when compared to state-of-the-art approaches that include joint source-channel optimized streaming with multi-path hash-chaining based-authentication, and also conventional video streaming with single path hash-chaining-based authentication.     

Cross-Layer Optimization for Video Summary Transmission over Wireless Networks

Video summarization has gained increased popularity in the emerging multimedia communication applications, however, very limited work has been conducted to address the transmission problem of video summary frames. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer optimization framework for delivering video summaries over wireless networks. Within a rate-distortion theoretical framework, the source coding, allowable retransmission, and adaptive modulation and coding have been jointly optimized, which reflects the joint selection of parameters at physical, data link and application layers. The goal is to achieve the best video quality and content coverage of the received summary frames and to meet the delay constraint. The problem is solved using Lagirangian relaxation and dynamic programming. Experimental results indicate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed optimization framework, especially when the delay budget imposed by the upper layer applications is small, where more than 10% distortion gain can be achieved.     

Dynamic resource allocation in OFDM systems: an overview of cross-layer optimization principles and techniques

Recently, a lot of research effort has been spent on cross-layer system design. It has been shown that cross-layer mechanisms (i.e., policies) potentially provide significant performance gains for various systems. In this article we review several aspects of cross-layer system optimization regarding wireless OFDM systems. We discuss basic optimization models and present selected heuristic approaches realizing cross-layer policies by means of dynamic resource allocation. Two specific areas are treated separately: models and dynamic approaches for single transmitter/receiver pairs (i.e., a point-to-point communication scenario) as well as models and approaches for point-to-multipoint communication scenarios (e.g., the downlink of a wireless cell). This article provides basic knowledge in order to investigate future OFDM cross-layer-optimization issues     

Distributed cooperative MAC for multihop wireless networks

This article investigates distributed cooperative medium access control protocol design for multihop wireless networks. Cooperative communication has been proposed recently as an effective way to mitigate channel impairments. With cooperation, single-antenna mobile terminals in a multi-user environment share antennas from other mobiles to generate a virtual multipleantenna system that achieves more reliable communication with a higher diversity gain. However, more mobiles conscribed for one communication inevitably induces complex medium access interactions, especially in multihop wireless ad hoc networks. To improve the network throughput and diversity gain simultaneously, we investigate the issues and challenges in designing an efficient MAC scheme for such networks. Furthermore, based on the IEEE 802.11 DCF, a cross-layer designed cooperative MAC protocol is proposed. The MAC scheme adapts to the channel condition and payload length.     

A Cross-Layer Framework for Association Control in Wireless Mesh Networks

The user association mechanism specified by the IEEE 802.11 standard does not consider the channel conditions and the AP load in the association process. Employing the mechanism in its plain form in wireless mesh networks we may only achieve low throughput and low user transmission rates. In this paper we design a new association framework in order to provide optimal association and network performance. In this framework we propose a new channel-quality based user association mechanism inspired by the operation of the infrastructure-based WLANs. Besides, we enforce our framework by proposing an airtime-metric based association mechanism that is aware of the uplink and downlink channel conditions as well as the communication load. We then extend the functionality of this mechanism in a cross-layer manner taking into account information from the routing layer, in order to fit it in the operation of wireless mesh networks. Lastly, we design a hybrid association scheme that can be efficiently applied in real deployments to improve the network performance. We evaluate the performance of our system through simulations and we show that wireless mesh networks that use the proposed association mechanisms are more capable in meeting the needs of QoS-sensitive applications.     

Multi-channel-based scheduling for overlay inband device-to-device communications

In this paper, we consider the problem of distributed scheduling for overlay inband device-to-device (D2D) communication systems that employ an orthogonal frequency division multiple access physical layer technology. To improve the spatial reuse gain, we propose a multi-channel-based scheduling algorithm that divides the overall radio resource dedicated to D2D communication into multiple data channels and schedules the links allocated to each channel based on a signal-to-interference-aware priority-based scheduling method. Further, we develop a cross-layer queueing model to analyze the medium-access-control layer performance of the proposed scheduling algorithm and compare the analytic results with the simulation results. We demonstrate that the proposed scheduling algorithm outperforms the existing single one-channel-based algorithm to provide lower packet dropping probability, higher spectral efficiency, and lower packet delay.     

The end-to-end rate control in multiple-hop wireless networks: Cross-layer formulation and optimal allocation

In this paper, we study the theoretical problem of the end-to-end rate assignment for multi-hop wireless networks. Specifically, we consider the problem of joint congestion control, random access and power control design with multi-hop transmissions and interference-limited link rates. In order to address both the end-to-end throughput maximization and energy efficiency, we formulate this problem into a cross-layer design problem under a realistic interference-based communication model, which captures the attainable link capacity in practice. There are primarily three challenges in this design: 1) how to formulate the cross-layer design; 2) how to solve the non- convex and non-separable problem efficiently; more importantly 3) under a reasonably complexity, how to design a distributed algorithm that can realize this formulation while maintaining the architectural modularity among different layers. First, we propose a novel method that can convert a non- convex and non-separable programming into an equivalent convex programming problem. The problem is solved by a dual decomposition technique. We show that the resulting algorithm can be practically realized. We then design a distributed algorithm that jointly considers random access and power control to adapt for the transport layer congestion status. Simulation results confirm that the proposed algorithm can achieve close to the global optimum within reasonable convergence times.