Advanced Aggregation Techniques for Integrated Next-Generation WLAN and EPON Networks

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on the MAC enhancements of emerging high-throughput WLANs and introduce a novel fiber-wireless (FiWi) network architecture that integrates next-generation WLAN and EPON in a pay-as-you-grow manner while providing backward compatibility with legacy infrastructure and protecting previous investments. Our work sheds light onto the benefits of extending advanced frame aggregation techniques from next-generation WLANs to EPONs as well. We examine different path selection schemes to improve FiWi network performance by means of wireless mesh networking, considering not only throughput and delay but also overhead and packet loss.