Throughput Optimal Flow Allocation on Multiple Paths for Random Access Wireless Multi-hop Networks

In this paper we consider random access wireless multi-hop mesh networks with multi-packet reception capabilities where multiple flows are forwarded to the gateways through node disjoint paths. We address the issue of aggregate throughput-optimal flow rate allocation with bounded delay guarantees. We propose a distributed flow rate allocation scheme that formulates flow rate allocation as an optimization problem and derive the conditions for non-convexity for an illustrative topology. We also employ a simple model for the average aggregate throughput achieved by all flows that captures both intra- and inter-path interference. The proposed scheme is evaluated through NS-2 simulations. Our preliminary results are derived from a grid topology and show that the proposed flow allocation scheme slightly underestimates the average aggregate throughput observed in two simulated scenarios with two and three flows respectively. Moreover it achieves significantly higher average aggregate throughput than single path utilization in two different traffic scenarios examined.Comment: Accepted for publication at the 9th IEEE BROADBAND WIRELESS ACCESS WORKSHOP (BWA2013), IEEE Globecom 2013 Workshop

Flow Allocation for Maximum Throughput and Bounded Delay on Multiple Disjoint Paths for Random Access Wireless Multihop Networks

In this paper, we consider random access, wireless, multi-hop networks, with multi-packet reception capabilities, where multiple flows are forwarded to the gateways through node disjoint paths. We explore the issue of allocating flow on multiple paths, exhibiting both intra- and inter-path interference, in order to maximize average aggregate flow throughput (AAT) and also provide bounded packet delay. A distributed flow allocation scheme is proposed where allocation of flow on paths is formulated as an optimization problem. Through an illustrative topology it is shown that the corresponding problem is non-convex. Furthermore, a simple, but accurate model is employed for the average aggregate throughput achieved by all flows, that captures both intra- and inter-path interference through the SINR model. The proposed scheme is evaluated through Ns2 simulations of several random wireless scenarios. Simulation results reveal that, the model employed, accurately captures the AAT observed in the simulated scenarios, even when the assumption of saturated queues is removed. Simulation results also show that the proposed scheme achieves significantly higher AAT, for the vast majority of the wireless scenarios explored, than the following flow allocation schemes: one that assigns flows on paths on a round-robin fashion, one that optimally utilizes the best path only, and another one that assigns the maximum possible flow on each path. Finally, a variant of the proposed scheme is explored, where interference for each link is approximated by considering its dominant interfering nodes only.Comment: IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technolog

Energy-efficient wireless communication

In this chapter we present an energy-efficient highly adaptive network interface architecture and a novel data link layer protocol for wireless networks that provides Quality of Service (QoS) support for diverse traffic types. Due to the dynamic nature of wireless networks, adaptations in bandwidth scheduling and error control are necessary to achieve energy efficiency and an acceptable quality of service. In our approach we apply adaptability through all layers of the protocol stack, and provide feedback to the applications. In this way the applications can adapt the data streams, and the network protocols can adapt the communication parameters