An analytical flow control scheme for real-time traffic in wireless mesh network: from theoretic model to practical mechanism

ABSTRACT

The link interference and multi-hop characters make Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) performance can not be tuned well by local information. We propose an analytical flow control scheme (AFCS) based on the optimal bandwidth allocation model that is specifically designed for the unique characteristics of WMN. The original contribution incorporated in a flow contention model of WMN based on maximal link interference region. With the contention constraint, the optimality of bandwidth allocation can be achieved by maximizing the aggregated utility across all flows. We then deduce a practical equation for adjusting sending rate from the bandwidth allocation model. Based on the simplified analytical equation and the congestion notification message mechanism, we propose an equation-based flow control framework for real-time traffic in WMN. Simulation results have shown the AFCS can improve the capacity of the WMN by 40% and alleviate the unfairness and delay jitter greatly. The fast response, fairness and steadiness characters of the AFCS are helpful for rigorous real-time traffic and dynamic wireless network.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.1 Network Architecture and Design
          Subjects: Wireless communication

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
ad hoc networks, bandwidth allocation, mesh networks, multi-hop wireless networks, rate control