Interactive Data Services in Wireless Access Networks: Capacity Planning and Protocols

Abstract

In this paper, we study the capacity planning in wireless access network for interactive data services such as web browsing. A closed queuing model has been developed which can capture the bottleneck effects in both the forward and the reverse channels. The model can be used to calculate the average throughput, the average response time and the number of users the system can support. We evaluate the performance of several MAC protocols such as slotted Aloha, static TDMA, Aloha/periodic stream and combined free demand assignment multiple access (CFDAMA) using realistic web traffic models. Based on the performance evaluation, we propose a new MAC protocol and a new transport layer protocol. Our new MAC protocol called combined polling free demand assignment multiple access (CPFDAMA) explores the correlation between forward channel data packets and reverse channel acknowledgement packets. Our new transport layer protocol called RWBP uses per-flow queuing, round robin scheduling and receiver window backpressure for congestion management. RWBP can eliminate congestion losses inside the wireless networks. Our protocol suite outperforms the proposed protocols in term of both channel utilization and response time. Our results can be used for service providers to dimension their networks and provide quality of service to a certain number of users.