A cross-layer architecture for service differentiation in multi-channel multi-radio Wireless Mesh Networks

Due to their self-configuration and auto-configuration properties, Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) are expected to support a plethora of applications, including traditional Internet services and novel multimedia applications. Service differentiation is needed to support applications with different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. In this paper, we propose a novel cross-layer framework that provides efficient communication and service differentiation in multi-radio multichannel WMNs. The proposed solution includes a distributed channel allocation scheme, integrated in the routing protocol, and a multi-channel MAC protocol, inspired to the IEEE 802.11e EDCA (Enhanced Distributed Channel Access). At the MAC layer, we propose “fast-forwarding” mechanisms to reduce the contention delay of delay-sensitive applications in multi-hop topologies. At the network layer, the channel allocation scheme aims at loading channels with an equal number of per-class traffic flows. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in providing differentiated treatment to traffic classes with different QoS requirements.