GLOBECOM 2005 Tutorial

Friday, 2 December
Majestic Ballroom G / Level Two / Renaissance Grand Hotel

Title: TU 11 Infrastructure-Based Wireless Multihop, Relay, Mesh Networks

Duration: Half Day/9:00AM-12:00 Noon

Instructor: Hami Yanikomeroglu, Carleton University, Canada

Abstract:
Simple calculations indicate that the provision of very high data rates, beyond small pockets, is not feasible with the conventional wireless network architectures. Even the recent advances in antenna technologies (such as smart antennas and MIMO systems) and signal processing techniques (such as advanced channel coding methods) do not seem to be sufficient to alleviate the tremendous potential stress that will be incurred on the link budget in future wireless networks with the aggregate rates of 100 - 1000 Mbps. Towards that end, the augmentation of the current networks with the multihop capability is considered to be the most feasible architectural upgrade to facilitate almost ubiquitous high data rate coverage in the most cost-effective manner.

In this context, there has been growing interest in both academia and industry in the concept of relaying in infrastructure-based wireless networks such as next generation cellular (B3G, 4G), WLAN (WiFi, HiperLAN2), and broadband fixed wireless (802.16, WiMax, HiperMAN) networks. Multihop communications can be facilitated through the use of low-power/low-cost fixed relays deployed by the service provider, or through other wireless terminals in the network. This tutorial will present the concept of relaying in infrastructure-based networks, with its fundamental dynamics, potentials and limitations. The tutorial will cover physical layer issues (including novel diversity techniques, virtual antenna arrays, and cooperative relaying), systems level issues (including multiple access, ARQ, radio resource management, coverage, capacity, and throughput) and networking issues (including intelligent routing, load balancing, and handoff).

Motivation:
This is a survey of almost anything related to infrastructure-based relay, multihop, and mesh networks, from physical layer up to networking layer.