Exploring the suitability of 60 GHz radio for building in-home networks

Abstract

60 GHz radio technology is highly promising since it can offer multi-Gbps data rate for short range wireless communication. Hence it is able to support in-home wireless multimedia applications such as high-definition video streaming, ultra high speed content downloads, etc. Hitherto, the main research efforts have been on 60 GHz physical layer design and channel model investigations. However, the unique properties of 60 GHz radio, viz, the use of directional antennas and link blockage problem impose new challenges for the higher layer protocol design. We explore the suitability of 60 GHz radio technology for in-home networks. In this paper we provide a comprehensive overview regarding medium access control related protocol design issues. Moreover, we also identify a number of directions which are helpful to develop the future architecture as well as technology to realize the grand vision of 60 GHz home networks.