The analysis of multichannel MAC protocols which implement a control channel

The three-way need for higher data rates, good quality of service and ubiquity in a converged all IP communication cloud drives research in wireless communication. Wireless access networks are envisaged candidates of the next generation wireless networks. The various access networks will be integrated with other technologies including the wired backbone. The major issues in an all IP and converged networks are: quality of service, seamless handover and network capacity. Emerging research seeks to address these open research issues; for example the implementation of multi-channel and multi radio MAC protocols in WMN. In this paper we analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of multi-channel and multi radio techniques in WMN. The shortcomings of these schemes are highlighted and possible solutions are suggested. The signalling delay metric is used for evaluation purposes. The focus is on the performance of the control channel identified as the critical performance metric of multi-channel MAC protocols.