A compiler assisted approach for component based reconfigurable MAC design

Abstract

Cognitive radio networks require reconfiguration and adaptivity in order to efficiently meet the changing application demands and network conditions. We have developed a framework which allows composition of MAC protocols using a library of MAC components [1]. These components are implemented with a hardware-software co-design approach so as to satisfy the timeliness requirements as well as to provide the desired degree of flexibility. A domain specific MAC language and corresponding MAC-meta compiler toolchain is developed to realize highly dynamic and reconfigurable MAC solutions using the MAC components. The prototype implementation on WARP [2] SDR boards indicates that our approach eases the MAC development without compromising on the performance characteristics as compared to the monolithic way of implementing MAC protocols.