Channel and Interface Management in a Heterogeneous Multi-Channel Multi-Radio Wireless Network

As new application scenarios for multi-hop wireless networks emerge, there has been an effort to improve performance in these networks by leveraging available physical layer diversity in the form of multiple channels, radio-interfaces, antennas, etc. However, designing cross-layer protocols that are capable of addressing a wide range of heterogeneous hardware characteristics can be very challenging. Theoretical results on scheduling provide a valuable set of tools to understand the structure of good network control algorithms for diverse scenarios; but these usually involve highly idealized assumptions that hinder their applicability. In this paper, we present a Layer 2.5 protocol solution for multi-channel multiradio wireless networks with heterogeneous channel and radio-interface characteristics, whose design draws upon known theoretical results, but which takes into account practical concerns that arise in real-world networks. This design provides a proof-of-concept of the possibility of evolving practical cross-layer designs that are rooted in sound theoretical principles.