A Cross-Layer Optimization for Ad Hoc Networks

The lack of an established infrastructure and the hostile nature of the wireless channel make the design of ad hoc networks a challenging task. The cross-layer design methodology, which has been strongly advocated in recent years, essentially aims to overcome the sub-optimality introduced by designing each layer in isolation. This paper explores one aspect of such optimizations, namely using multiple antennas at each node for receiving and transmitting data using directional beams. By jointly analyzing both the MAC layer parameters and choosing a suitable routing protocol afterwards, improvements over earlier published schemes are obtained. We also perform in-depth simulations to characterize the better performance of various scenarios.

[1]  Theodore S. Rappaport,et al.  Cross-layer design for wireless networks , 2003, IEEE Commun. Mag..

[2]  Nitin H. Vaidya,et al.  Using directional antennas for medium access control in ad hoc networks , 2002, MobiCom '02.

[3]  Leandros Tassiulas,et al.  A framework for cross-layer design of energy-efficient communication with QoS provisioning in multi-hop wireless networks , 2004, IEEE INFOCOM 2004.

[4]  Andrea J. Goldsmith,et al.  Design challenges for energy-constrained ad hoc wireless networks , 2002, IEEE Wirel. Commun..

[5]  Somprakash Bandyopadhyay,et al.  A network-aware MAC and routing protocol for effective load balancing in ad hoc wireless networks with directional antenna , 2003, MobiHoc '03.

[6]  Anthony Ephremides,et al.  A unified approach to scheduling, access control and routing for ad-hoc wireless networks , 2000, VTC2000-Spring. 2000 IEEE 51st Vehicular Technology Conference Proceedings (Cat. No.00CH37026).

[7]  F.A. Tobagi,et al.  Issues in packet radio network design , 1987, Proceedings of the IEEE.

[8]  Robert E. Hiromoto,et al.  A MAC protocol for mobile ad hoc networks using directional antennas , 2000, 2000 IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference. Conference Record (Cat. No.00TH8540).

[9]  Andrea J. Goldsmith,et al.  Performance, optimization, and cross-layer design of media access protocols for wireless ad hoc networks , 2003, IEEE International Conference on Communications, 2003. ICC '03..

[10]  Charles E. Perkins,et al.  Performance comparison of two on-demand routing protocols for ad hoc networks , 2001, IEEE Wirel. Commun..

[11]  Elizabeth M. Belding-Royer,et al.  A review of current routing protocols for ad hoc mobile wireless networks , 1999, IEEE Wirel. Commun..

[12]  Rene L. Cruz,et al.  Optimal routing, link scheduling and power control in multihop wireless networks , 2003, IEEE INFOCOM 2003. Twenty-second Annual Joint Conference of the IEEE Computer and Communications Societies (IEEE Cat. No.03CH37428).

[13]  Ram Ramanathan,et al.  On the performance of ad hoc networks with beamforming antennas , 2001, MobiHoc '01.

[14]  Madhav V. Marathe,et al.  Characterizing the interaction between routing and MAC protocols in ad-hoc networks , 2002, MobiHoc '02.

[15]  Nitin H. Vaidya,et al.  Impact of Directional Antennas on Ad Hoc Routing , 2003, PWC.