Multi-channel MAC protocol to improve network throughput and end-to-end delay in OFDMA-based wireless network systems

Abstract

This paper proposes multi-channel MAC protocol for OFDMA Wireless LAN. This MAC protocol consists of one control channel and multiple data channels. Each data channel has multiple data sub channels and one control sub channel. Each station transmits channel negotiation control frame via control channel and data frame via data channels. Our method lets a station get through more than one communication sessions simultaneously. The basic idea is to use one sub-channel in data channel as control sub-channel. With this control sub-channel, even in the midst of one communication session, a node can set up another communication session in separate use. As a result, this mechanism improves end-to-end delay and overall network throughput. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.