MIMO-Based Wireless Local Area Networks: Utilization and QoS enhancements

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) a key technology for next generation wireless networking. However, supporting Quality of Service (QoS) to enable multimedia services is still one of the major issues in next-generation WLANs, QoS support in WLANs can be enhanced through the efficient cross-layer design of MAC protocols that utilizes advanced physical layer technologies viz Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) with its multiple spatial channels that are capable of simultaneous receive or transmit streams. In this book, therefore, introduce the design of a comprehensive framework for medium access with provisions for effective bandwidth utilization. The framework includes the design of a QoS MIMO-aware MAC protocol that implements concurrent bandwidth sharing schemes, a MIMO-aware medium access collision avoidance scheme, and MIMO-aware bandwidth management schemes. This book is intended to provide enough background material for the novice student enrolled in a graduate level course, while having enough advanced material to prime the more serious graduate students that would like to pursue research in the area.