A framework for quality of service provision in IEEE 802.11

Dr Ahmet Sekercioglu, Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering
In this project, researchers have created an architectural framework for a mobile cellular network which uses licence-free IEEE 802.11 wireless access points. The use of fully packet based wireless communications has increased rapidly since the introduction of the IEEE 802.11 protocol. In parallel with this trend, demand for using IEEE 802.11 networks for voice and video applications has also increased, and these applications, unlike best-effort data, are delay-sensitive and require the provisioning of service differentiation and prioritised access to wireless channels. The project aims to focus on this requirement, and will create a framework for enhancing real-time application support for mobile users over 802.11 networks.

The framework relies on an accurate estimation of changes in the utilisation patterns of access points and, due to the complexity of the dynamics of the data rates, the number of active terminals and interference. Estimation is required because precise analytical modeling of such networks is not possible. By having access to the  computational capacity of the Monash HPC facility, researchers are able to use parametric simulation methods and create accurate empirical models of network behaviour.