A Novel QoS Guarantee Mechanism in IEEE 802.16 Mesh Networks

Abstract

IEEE 802.16 defines perfect QoS (Quality of Service) guarantee mechanism in PMP (Point to Multi-Point) mode and denotes mesh mode cannot provide this capability. To resolve this problem of WiMAX Mesh network, a novel QoS guarantee mechanism including protocol process and minislot allocation algorithm is proposed. This mechanism uses existing service classes in original standard. Protocol processes that manage dynamic service flow are defined. WiMAX MAC layer is re-designed to support service classification in mesh mode. Using extended distributed scheduling messages, the delivery method of dynamic service management messages in WiMAX mesh networks is implemented. Minislot allocation algorithm is given to support data scheduling of various services. Service establishment time is analyzed in this paper. The simulation result shows that the mechanism can provide QoS in WiMAX mesh networks effectively.