Pareto-Optimal Topologies for Lifetime Extension of Coordinated Wireless Point-to-Point Networks

Coordinated wireless point-to-point networks constitute a reliable and cost-efficient technology for providing backhaul connectivity for access networks in remote or topologically challenging environments, e.g. mountainous regions. Their flexibility allows for joint operation with any kind of access networks (including cellular), temporary or mobile deployment (e.g., for sport or entertainment events), or for full-fledged alternative of wired backhaul infrastructure. This paper introduces a novel approach for optimizing the topology of such coordinated backhaul mesh networks based on a range of relevant parameters, among them total network capacity, current load in the access network, energy consumption of the considered topology, as well as battery level of nodes without continuous power supply. We present a Backhaul Topology Optimization (BTO) algorithm that, at its core, generates a pareto-optimal backhaul topology. We show that our algorithm extends the lifetime of such a backhaul network by up to 20% compared to a standard reference case while at the same time keeping network capacity, data throughput, and user outage at satisfactory levels.