A generic framework for cross-layer optimisation in wireless personal area networks

Wireless Personal Area Networking (WPAN) is introduced as a new concept for next generation wireless systems. WPANs are short-range wireless systems operating in the direct surrounding of the user. A reference architecture for short-range wireless communications has been designed covering the end-to-end system design. Traditional protocol stack implementations based on layering do not function efficiently in wireless environments due to inefficiency, inflexibility and suboptimality of the functionalities in the different layers. Specifically in WPAN and other short-range wireless systems the performance benefits from a cross-layer design strategy, supporting adaptability and optimizing the use of resources over multiple layers of the protocol stack. In this paper we advocate cross-layer optimisation for WPAN systems and introduce a centralised control structure for interaction between different layers in master or leader devices. The control structure adapts the link characteristics to the channel state and user requirements. Allowing for the support of heterogeneous services, each with their own quality-of-service demands, in wireless environments.