A new cross-layer designed multipolling MAC protocol over WLANs

Abstract

In this paper, we develop a multipolling MAC protocol which exploits cross-layer information to support delay-senstive multimedia services over WLANs. A user detection module and a multi-rate adaptation module are proposed in the physical layer to assist in link differentiation. With these two modules, our new multi-polling MAC protocol, named PALD-MPMP not only reduces the polling overhead, but also provides an effective polling scheduler by allocating transmission priorities to users according to their delay requirements or levels and channel gains. Simulation results show that our proposed protocol outperforms the standard point coordination function (PCF) for delay-sensitive services. AU the performance improvements are mainly contributed by the awareness of cross-layer channel state information, and the consequent multi-rate adaptation schemes. © 2007 IEEE.