A Survey on Scheduling in IEEE 802.16 Mesh Mode

Cataloged from PDF version of article.IEEE 802.16 standard (also known as WiMAX) defines the wireless broadband network technology which aims to solve the so called last mile problem via providing high bandwidth Internet even to the rural areas for which the cable deployment is very costly. The standard mainly focuses on the MAC and PHY layer issues, supporting two transmission modes: PMP (Point-to-Multipoint) and mesh modes. Mesh mode is an optional mode developed as an extension to PMP mode and it has the advantage of having an improving performance as more subscribers are added to the system using multi-hop routes. In 802.16 MAC protocol, mesh mode slot allocation and reservation mechanisms are left open which makes this topic a hot research area. Hence, the focus of this survey will mostly be on the mesh mode, and the proposed scheduling algorithms and performance evaluation methods

Cross layer routing and scheduling for multi-channel Wimax mesh networks

Broadband wireless networks are becoming increasingly popular due to their fast and inexpensive deployment and their capabilities of providing flexible and ubiquitous Internet access. Due to the limitation of shared resources in wireless mesh network such as bandwidth, spatial reuse is introduced for concurrent transmissions. The simultaneous transmissions face many challenges regarding interference on the ongoing transmission. To maximize the network performance of mesh networks in terms of spatial reuse, it is essential to consider a cross-layer for resource allocation in different layers such as the routing network layer, the scheduling resource allocation Media Access Control (MAC) layer and physical layer. Therefore, this thesis focuses on improving the spatial reuse for resource allocation mechanism including routing tree construction by taking into consideration the reliable path, channel assignment and scheduling algorithms. Firstly, a Fuzzy based Constructed Routing Tree (FLCRT) is proposed to incorporate fuzzy logic with routing to enable cognitive capability in packet forwarding for uplink or downlink communication. Secondly, the link-aware routing path is proposed to satisfy the connection lifetime and better routing stability for successful requirements of transmission using multi sponsor node technique. Then, a better understanding of reliability analysis is pursued in the context of homogeneous wireless network. Ultimately, heuristic resource allocation including channel assignment and centralized scheduling algorithms are proposed based on the cellular learning automata to enhance the number of concurrent transmissions in the network by efficiently reusing the spectrum spatially. The attempt of heuristic resource allocation algorithms is to find the maximal number of nodes that could transmit data concurrently. The numerical and simulation results show that FLCRT, Learning Automata Heuristic Channel Assignment (LAHCA), and Learning Automata Heuristic Centralized Scheduling (LAHCS) perform better in terms of scheduling length, channel utilization ratio, and average transmission delay as compared with the existing approaches. The proposed FLCRT scheme with respect to the number of subscriber station (SS) nodes performs better in decreasing the scheduling length, average transmission delay, and channel utilization ratio by 38%, 19%, and 38% compared with Interference-Load-Aware routing. LAHCA algorithm improves the number of channels in comparison with random selection algorithm by 8%. LAHCS algorithm using multi channels proposed by LAHCA can reduce the scheduling time, average transmission delay as well as enhance channel utilization ratio versus number of SS nodes by 7%, 8%, and 6% respectively compared with Nearest algorithm in higher traffic demands

Performance Analysis and Enhancement of QoS Framework for Fixed WiMAX Networks. Design, analysis and evaluation of 802.16 Point-to-Multipoint (PMP) Quality of Service Framework based on uplink scheduler and call admission control analysis.

Given the current developments and advances in the scientific and technological aspects of human knowledge and introducing new approaches in various fields of telecommunication technologies and industries, there has been an increasing growth in its players¿ plans and a positive change in their outlooks in order to achieve the target of "anywhere and anytime access". Recent developments of WiMAX (Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access) networks, as a sign of increasing needs and demands for new telecommunication services and capabilities, have led to revolutions in global telecommunication which should be perceived properly in terms of the commercial and technical aspects in order to enjoy the new opportunities. Most experts believe that WiMAX technology is a preliminary step to develop Fourth Generation networks known as 4G technologies. It has not only succeeded in the utilization of several of the latest telecommunication techniques in the form of unique practical standards, but also paved the way for the quantitative and qualitative developments of high-speed broadband access. IEEE 802.16 Standard introduces several advantages, and one of them is the support for Quality of Services (QoS) at the Media Access Control (MAC) level. For these purposes, the standard defines several scheduling classes at MAC layer to treat service flow in a different way, depending on QoS requirements. In this thesis, we have proposed a new QoS framework for Point-to-Multi Point (PMP) 802.16 systems operating in Time Division Duplexing (TDD) mode over a WirelessMAN-OFDM physical layer. The proposed framework consists of a Call Admission Control (CAC) module and a scheduling scheme for the uplink traffic as well as a simple frame allocation scheme. The proposed CAC module interacts with the uplink scheduler status and it makes its decision based on the scheduler queue status; on the other hand, the proposed scheduling scheme for the uplink traffic aims to support realtime flows and adapts the frame-by-frame allocations to the current needs of the connections, with respect to the grants boundaries fixed by the CAC module. Extensive OPNET simulation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed architecture

Qualidade de serviço em redes IEEE 802.16 com topologia em malha

Mestrado em Engenharia Electrónica e TelecomunicaçõesO IEEE 802.16 apresenta-se actualmente como a tecnologia mais avançada e aliciante para o acesso de banda larga metropolitano. A sua topologia pontomultiponto (PMP) foi desenvolvida desde o início com suporte para qualidade de serviço (QoS) gerida pelo controlador ou operador da rede, podendo assim complementar, as actuais soluções móveis de terceira geração. Por outro lado, a topologia opcional “em malha” (Mesh) permite a criação de redes autoconfiguráveis e com encaminhamento de tráfego através de vários pontos da rede. No entanto, as especificações e mecanismos de QoS apresentados na norma não são consistentes para estes dois modos de operação. Com a presente dissertação pretende-se estudar e avaliar uma arquitectura de QoS para o modo Mesh, baseada nos mecanismos delineados para a topologia PMP, permitindo a coexistência dos dois modos de operação. A arquitectura apresentada foca-se numa gestão eficiente da largura de banda utilizando mensagens de controlo ao nível MAC introduzidas pelo standard IEEE 802.16. Os resultados obtidos mostram a eficiência das classes de serviço implementadas, convergindo com os requisitos de QoS do modo PMP. ABSTRACT: The IEEE 802.16 standard is by now the most advanced and attractive technology for the metropolitan broadband access. The point-to-multipoint (PMP) topology was developed from the beginning with quality of service (QoS) support, managed by the network operator, thus complementing the existing third-generation mobile solutions. On the other hand, the alternative Mesh topology allows the creation of self-configuring networks with traffic routing through various nodes. However, the QoS specifications and mechanisms presented in the standard are not consistent for these two operation modes. The present work aims to study and evaluate a QoS architecture for the Mesh mode, based on mechanisms designed to PMP and thus allowing the coexistence of the two operation modes. The proposed architecture focuses on an efficient network bandwidth management, using control messages at the MAC level as suggested in the IEEE 802.16 standard. The results show the efficiency of the implemented service classes, coming to a convergence with the quality requirements announced by PMP mode

Leveraging Multi-User Diversity, Channel Diversity and Spatial Reuse for Efficient Scheduling in Wireless Relay Networks

Relay stations can be deployed in a wireless network to extend its coverage and improve its capacity. In this paper, we study a scheduling problem in OFDMA-based wireless relay networks with consideration for multi-user diversity, channel diversity and spatial reuse. First, we present a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulation to provide optimum solutions. It has been shown by previous research that performance of a wireless scheduling algorithm is usually related to the interference degree δ, which is the maximum number of links that interfere with a common link but do not interfere with each other. Therefore, we then show that the interference degree δ is at most 4 for any 2-hop relay network and 14 for any general h-hop (h \u3e=2) relay network. Furthermore, we present a simple greedy algorithm for the scheduling problem and show it has an approximation ratio of 1/(1+δ), which leads to an approximation ratio of 1/5 for the 2-hop case and 1/15 for the general case. In addition, we present three heuristic algorithms, namely, the weighted degree greedy algorithm, the Maximum Weighted Independent Set (MWIS) algorithm and the Linear Programming (LP) rounding algorithm, to solve the scheduling problem. Extensive simulation results have showed that the LP rounding algorithm performs best and always provides close-to-optimum solutions. The performance of the simple greedy algorithm is comparable to that of the other algorithms

On the Merits of Deploying TDM-based Next-Generation PON Solutions in the Access Arena As Multiservice, All Packet-Based 4G Mobile Backhaul RAN Architecture

The phenomenal growth of mobile backhaul capacity required to support the emerging fourth-generation (4G) traffic including mobile WiMAX, cellular Long-Term Evolution (LTE), and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) requires rapid migration from today\u27s legacy circuit switched T1/E1 wireline and microwave backhaul technologies to a new fiber-supported, all-packet-based mobile backhaul infrastructure. Clearly, a cost effective fiber supported all-packet-based mobile backhaul radio access network (RAN) architecture that is compatible with these inherently distributed 4G RAN architectures is needed to efficiently scale current mobile backhaul networks. However, deploying a green fiber-based mobile backhaul infrastructure is a costly proposition mainly due to the significant cost associated with digging the trenches in which the fiber is to be laid. These, along with the inevitable trend towards all-IP/Ethernet transport protocols and packet switched networks, have prompted many carriers around the world to consider the potential of utilizing the existing fiber-based Passive Optical Network (PON) access infrastructure as an all-packet-based converged fixed-mobile optical access networking transport architecture to backhaul both mobile and typical wireline traffic. Passive Optical Network (PON)-based fiber-to-the-curb/home (FTTC/FTTH) access networks are being deployed around the globe based on two Time-Division Multiplexed (TDM) standards: ITU G.984 Gigabit PON (GPON) and IEEE 802.ah Ethernet PON (EPON). A PON connects a group of Optical Network Units (ONUs) located at the subscriber premises to an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) located at the service provider\u27s facility. It is the purpose of this thesis to examine the technological requirements and assess the performance analysis and feasibility for deploying TDM-based next-generation (NG) PON solutions in the access arena as multiservice, all packet-based 4G mobile backhaul RAN and/or converged fixed-mobile optical networking architecture. Specifically, this work proposes and devises a simple and cost-effective 10G-EPON-based 4G mobile backhaul RAN architecture that efficiently transports and supports a wide range of existing and emerging fixed-mobile advanced multimedia applications and services along with the diverse quality of service (QoS), rate, and reliability requirements set by these services. The techno-economics merits of utilizing PON-based 4G RAN architecture versus that of traditional 4G (mobile WiMAX and LTE) RAN will be thoroughly examine and quantified. To achieve our objective, we utilize the existing fiber-based PON access infrastructure with novel ring-based distribution access network and wireless-enabled OLT and ONUs as the multiservice packet-based 4G mobile backhaul RAN infrastructure. Specifically, to simplify the implementation of such a complex undertaking, this work is divided into two sequential phases. In the first phase, we examine and quantify the overall performance of the standalone ring-based 10G-EPON architecture (just the wireline part without overlaying/incorporating the wireless part (4G RAN)) via modeling and simulations. We then assemble the basic building blocks, components, and sub-systems required to build up a proof-of-concept prototype testbed for the standalone ring-based EPON architecture. The testbed will be used to verify and demonstrate the performance of the standalone architecture, specifically, in terms of power budget, scalability, and reach. In the second phase, we develop an integrated framework for the efficient interworking between the two wireline PON and 4G mobile access technologies, particularly, in terms of unified network control and management (NCM) operations. Specifically, we address the key technical challenges associated with tailoring a typically centralized PON-based access architecture to interwork with and support a distributed 4G RAN architecture and associated radio NCM operations. This is achieved via introducing and developing several salient-networking innovations that collectively enable the standalone EPON architecture to support a fully distributed 4G mobile backhaul RAN and/or a truly unified NG-PON-4G access networking architecture. These include a fully distributed control plane that enables intercommunication among the access nodes (ONUs/BSs) as well as signaling, scheduling algorithms, and handoff procedures that operate in a distributed manner. Overall, the proposed NG-PON architecture constitutes a complete networking paradigm shift from the typically centralized PON\u27s architecture and OLT-based NCM operations to a new disruptive fully distributed PON\u27s architecture and NCM operations in which all the typically centralized OLT-based PON\u27s NCM operations are migrated to and independently implemented by the access nodes (ONUs) in a distributed manner. This requires migrating most of the typically centralized wireline and radio control and user-plane functionalities such as dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA), queue management and packet scheduling, handover control, radio resource management, admission control, etc., typically implemented in today\u27s OLT/RNC, to the access nodes (ONUs/4G BSs). It is shown that the overall performance of the proposed EPON-based 4G backhaul including both the RAN and Mobile Packet Core (MPC) {Evolved Packet Core (EPC) per 3GPP LTE\u27s standard} is significantly augmented compared to that of the typical 4G RAN, specifically, in terms of handoff capability, signaling overhead, overall network throughput and latency, and QoS support. Furthermore, the proposed architecture enables redistributing some of the intelligence and NCM operations currently centralized in the MPC platform out into the access nodes of the mobile RAN. Specifically, as this work will show, it enables offloading sizable fraction of the mobile signaling as well as actual local upstream traffic transport and processing (LTE bearers switch/set-up, retain, and tear-down and associated signaling commands from the BSs to the EPC and vice-versa) from the EPC to the access nodes (ONUs/BSs). This has a significant impact on the performance of the EPC. First, it frees up a sizable fraction of the badly needed network resources as well as processing on the overloaded centralized serving nodes (AGW) in the MPC. Second, it frees up capacity and sessions on the typically congested mobile backhaul from the BSs to the EPC and vice-versa

Portfolio peak algorithms achieving superior performance for maximizing throughput in WiMAX networks

The Mobile WiMAX IEEE 802.16 standards ensure provision of last mile wireless access, variable and high data rate, point to multi-point communication, large frequency range and QoS (Quality of Service) for various types of applications. The WiMAX standards are published by the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and specify the standards of services and transmissions. However, the way how to run these services and when the transmission should be started are not specified in the IEEE standards and it is up to computer scientists to design scheduling algorithms that can best meet the standards. Finding the best way to implement the WiMAX standards through designing efficient scheduler algorithms is a very important component in wireless systems and the scheduling period presents the most common challenging issue in terms of throughput and time delay. The aim of the research presented in this thesis was to design and develop an efficient scheduling algorithm to provide the QoS support for real-time and non-real-time services with the WiMAX Network. This was achieved by combining a portfolio of algorithms, which will control and update transmission with the required algorithm by the various portfolios for supporting QoS such as; the guarantee of a maximum throughput for real-time and non-real-time traffic. Two algorithms were designed in this process and will be discussed in this thesis: Fixed Portfolio Algorithms and Portfolio Peak Algorithm. In order to evaluate the proposed algorithms and test their efficiency for IEEE 802.16 networks, the authors simulated the algorithms in the NS2 simulator. Evaluation of the proposed Portfolio algorithms was carried out through comparing its performance with those of the conventional algorithms. On the other hand, the proposed Portfolio scheduling algorithm was evaluated by comparing its performance in terms of throughput, delay, and jitter. The simulation results suggest that the Fixed Portfolio Algorithms and the Portfolio Peak Algorithm achieve higher performance in terms of throughput than all other algorithms. Keywords: WiMAX, IEEE802.16, QoS, Scheduling Algorithms, Fixed Portfolio Algorithms, and Portfolio Peak Algorithms.The Mobile WiMAX IEEE 802.16 standards ensure provision of last mile wireless access, variable and high data rate, point to multi-point communication, large frequency range and QoS (Quality of Service) for various types of applications. The WiMAX standards are published by the Institute of Electric and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and specify the standards of services and transmissions. However, the way how to run these services and when the transmission should be started are not specified in the IEEE standards and it is up to computer scientists to design scheduling algorithms that can best meet the standards. Finding the best way to implement the WiMAX standards through designing efficient scheduler algorithms is a very important component in wireless systems and the scheduling period presents the most common challenging issue in terms of throughput and time delay. The aim of the research presented in this thesis was to design and develop an efficient scheduling algorithm to provide the QoS support for real-time and non-real-time services with the WiMAX Network. This was achieved by combining a portfolio of algorithms, which will control and update transmission with the required algorithm by the various portfolios for supporting QoS such as; the guarantee of a maximum throughput for real-time and non-real-time traffic. Two algorithms were designed in this process and will be discussed in this thesis: Fixed Portfolio Algorithms and Portfolio Peak Algorithm. In order to evaluate the proposed algorithms and test their efficiency for IEEE 802.16 networks, the authors simulated the algorithms in the NS2 simulator. Evaluation of the proposed Portfolio algorithms was carried out through comparing its performance with those of the conventional algorithms. On the other hand, the proposed Portfolio scheduling algorithm was evaluated by comparing its performance in terms of throughput, delay, and jitter. The simulation results suggest that the Fixed Portfolio Algorithms and the Portfolio Peak Algorithm achieve higher performance in terms of throughput than all other algorithms. Keywords: WiMAX, IEEE802.16, QoS, Scheduling Algorithms, Fixed Portfolio Algorithms, and Portfolio Peak Algorithms

Evaluating WIMAX for real-time vehicular communications

Mestrado em Engenharia Electrónica e TelecomunicaçõesOs acidentes rodoviários têm um impacto elevado na sociedade, quer devido às perdas humanas daí resultantes quer devido aos custos económicos associados. Este facto tem causado por todo o mundo o estudo de mecanismos que permitam aumentar a segurança rodoviária. Um exemplo disto é o investimento da Europa em vários projectos com vista a desenvolver estes mecanismos, onde a maior parte destas iniciativas consideram a possibilidade dos veículos comunicarem entre si e/ou com estações fixas, situadas junto da rodovia. A mobilidade dos veículos apresenta requisitos especiais, onde as comunicações sem-fios têm um papel crucial nestas aplicações. Contudo, os serviços de segurança rodoviária requerem alguns requisitos específicos, como largura de banda ou em termos de timeliness, que têm de ser cumpridos independentemente da tecnologia sem-fios usada. Neste trabalho é pretendido avaliar WiMAX para comunicações relacionadas com a segurança rodoviária, em que a coexistência de diferentes tipos de serviços é uma realidade, onde o uso dos mecanismos de qualidade de serviço fornecidos pelo WiMAX podem ser uma vantagem. ABSTRACT: Road accidents have a huge impact on the society, both because of the resulting human life losses and injuries as well as because of the associ- ated economic costs. This situation fostered the study of mechanisms for increasing road safety all over the world. In Europe, several projects are being funded to develop such mechanisms. Many of the approaches that are being pursued require the ability of the vehicles to communicate with each other and/or with fixed roadside equipments. Due to the mobility con- straints, wireless technologies have a crucial role in this kind of applications. However, road safety services have also specific demands, in terms of band- width and timeliness, that have to be met, independently of the wireless technology used. In this work, it is performed an evaluation of WiMAX for road safety communications, taking into consideration the coexistence of different types of service and that the use of quality of service mechanisms in this wireless technology could be an advantage

Radio Communications

In the last decades the restless evolution of information and communication technologies (ICT) brought to a deep transformation of our habits. The growth of the Internet and the advances in hardware and software implementations modified our way to communicate and to share information. In this book, an overview of the major issues faced today by researchers in the field of radio communications is given through 35 high quality chapters written by specialists working in universities and research centers all over the world. Various aspects will be deeply discussed: channel modeling, beamforming, multiple antennas, cooperative networks, opportunistic scheduling, advanced admission control, handover management, systems performance assessment, routing issues in mobility conditions, localization, web security. Advanced techniques for the radio resource management will be discussed both in single and multiple radio technologies; either in infrastructure, mesh or ad hoc networks