NeTS-WN: Collaborative Research: Cross-layer Optimization for Dynamic Spectrum Access Wireless Mesh Networks

在本项目中，PI将重点关注新兴的动态频谱接入(DSA)无线网状网(WMN)。由于这种网络的两个特点：动态频谱可用性和频谱异构性，因此迫切需要进行跨层设计。与移动自组网、无线传感器网络等研究较多的无线网络不同，无线网状网主要关注的是吞吐量、公平性和服务质量支持，而不是移动性支持和功率效率。它们将集中在网络堆栈的最低四层，寻求联合拥塞控制、路由、频谱共享和功率控制解决方案，目标是最大化吞吐量，实现一定的公平性，并提供服务质量支持。此外，研究将在不同的网络模型下进行，包括不同的干扰模型、不同的业务模型和不同的公平模型。该项目的智力优势包括(1)精确描述不同网络模型下跨层优化问题的所有重要特征和形式化公式的统一数学模型，(2)用于解决优化问题的集中式和分布式算法，以及(3)频谱感知的路由协议。该项目的更广泛的影响包括(1)对新兴的DSA无线网状网的新的跨层方案，对信息技术的进步，(2)高质量的出版物和高技能学生的培训，以及(3)对未来DSA无线网络的IETF和IEEE标准化可能产生的影响。

In this project, the PIs will focus on the emerging Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs). Cross-layer design is strongly needed for such a network due to its two special features; dynamic spectrum availability and spectrum heterogeneity. Quite different from other well-studied wireless networks, such as mobile ad hoc networks and wireless sensor networks, the major concerns of WMNs are throughput, fairness, and QoS support, instead of mobility support and power efficiency.The PIs plan to conduct a comprehensive study on cross-layer optimization in DSA WMNs, and design protocols under the guidance of this cross-layer optimization. They will concentrate on the bottom four layers of the network stack and seek joint congestion control, routing, spectrum sharing, and power control solutions with the objective of maximizing throughput, achieving certain fairness, and providing QoS support. Furthermore, the research will be conducted under various network models including different interference models, different traffic models, and different fairness models.The INTELLECTUAL MERIT of the project includes (1) a unified mathematical model which precisely characterizes all important features and the formal formulations of the cross-layer optimization problems under different network models, (2) centralized and distributed algorithms for solving the optimization problems, and (3) a spectrum-aware routing protocol.The BROADER IMPACT of the project includes (1) novel cross-layer schemes for emerging DSA WMNs, with impact on the advancement of information technology, (2) high quality publications and training of highly skilled students, and (3) possible impact on the standardization in IETF and IEEE for DSA wireless networks in the future.