MAC Layer Mechanism for Wireless WiMAX Networks with Mesh Topology

Abstract

The application of wireless local area networks has significantly increased in the last decade, and the 802.11x standards have directed this exponential growth. However, the need to cover greater areas at higher transmission speeds gave rise to the 802.16x standards. These new standards provide the necessary guidelines that establish coverage, transmission capacities, types and quality of services. The technologies required to implement the 802.16x standards, however, are much more costly than traditional WLANs. This work proposes a MAC layer mechanism that increases the coverage area of wireless broadband networks that does not require increased physical infrastructure.