Cross-layer signalling for next-generation wireless systems

Cross-layer design is becoming a popular design methodology for the IP-based next-generation wireless systems, and cross-layer signalling is a key enabler of such a methodology. Several methods are emerging to achieve this signalling in layered protocol stacks. Through these methods, the refined wireless systems are expected to gain significant performance improvement and/or obtain extended functionality that is very hard if not impossible to obtain from a single layer signalling. This paper begins with a survey of representative cross-layer signalling methods. Based on the analysis, the paper proposes an efficient, flexible and comprehensive scheme defined here as Cross-LAyer Signalling Shortcuts (CLASS), and then a set of evaluation criteria is defined to compare CLASS with current schemes. Finally, the possible application areas of CLASS are identified, and a reference application programme is presented for applying CLASS into various management areas.