Channel and Interface Management in a Heterogeneous Multi-Channel Multi-Radio Wireless Network

Abstract : As new application scenarios for multi-hop wireless networks emerge, there has been an effort to improve performance in these networks by leveraging available physical layer diversity in the form of multiple channels radio-interfaces, antennas, etc. However, designing cross-layer protocols that are capable of addressing a wide range of heterogeneous hardware characteristics can be very challenging. Theoretical results on scheduling provide a valuable set of tools to understand the structure of good network control algorithms for diverse scenarios but these usually involve highly idealized assumptions that hinder their applicability. In this paper, we present a Layer 2.5 protocol solution for multi-channel multiradio wireless networks with heterogeneous channel and radio-interface characteristics, whose design draws upon known theoretical results, but which takes into account practical concerns that arise in real-world networks. This design provides a proof-of-concept of the possibility of evolving practical cross-layer designs that are rooted in sound theoretical principles.