MIMO Cross-Layer Design for Ad-Hoc Networks

Abstract

The performance of a cross-layer (physical and MAC) design for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system that maximizes the throughput of ad-hoc networks by selecting the optimum antenna combination is investigated. This crosslayer design is shown to improve the overall network performance relative to the case with no antenna selection. To further improve the overall network throughput, we minimize the effect of node blocking in the IEEE 802.11 medium-access control (MAC) protocol. The proposed protocol leverage the available degrees of freedom offered by the MIMO system to allow neighboring nodes to simultaneously communicate using the zero-forcing Bell-labs layered space-time (BLAST) architecture. The performance of the proposed cross-layer design is examined through simulations to show the throughput advantage relative to conventional MAC protocols.

Considerations on the multiplexing and diversity tradeoff in IEEE 802.11 networks

“…Recent studies for MIMO systems include the use of widely linear processing for the design of MIMO transceivers having higher performance than traditional MIMO equalisers [10][11][12]. Even though MIMO techniques are used at the PHY layer of the 802.11n standard [13], and in many MIMO aware medium access control (MAC) protocols [14][15][16], few papers discuss the MAC layer implications of the multiplexing and diversity tradeoff. Gelal et al [17] provides a detailed insight on the impact of different MIMO schemes on the MAC layer performance, although it dispenses with a theoretical analysis and the results are obtained through simulations.…”

Dynamic time slot allocation and stream control for MIMO STDMA in ad hoc networks

“…Find the equivalent nodes groups in the network according to formula (19). 4: while network topology changes do 5: Calculate the average transmission factor of each slot according to formula (20).…”

“…The protocol in [18] allocates each node time sub-slots to reserve and raises time slot utilization using MIMO technology. Moreover, cross-layer MAC design [15,19,20] is also used to improve the performance of networks. To break the strict limitation of the communication between layers, cross-layer MAC design fully considers the relationship of each layer and allows exchanging information between layers on the basis of the original protocol stacks [21].…”