Complementing 3G cellular networks by multi hop capabilities of an enhanced MAC protocol for wireless LAN

Interworking between wireless LANs and 3G networks is expected to break new ground for sophisticated business models. The combination of the 3G core network infrastructure (with service centers and accounting capabilities) and the achievable data rate of WLANs give the possibility to offer new services. WLAN hotspots are on the way, but the high installation costs of WLAN, especially for larger hotspots, repress a faster evolution. The installation costs are mainly driven by the cabling infrastructure. In the past, we have already introduced an enhanced MAC protocol for multi hop networks without any infrastructure. We investigate the MAC performance for a multi hop scenario, enabling low cost WLAN networks with infrastructures that are coupled with 3G networks. This approach should allow network providers to have a fast return on their investments. As video services are expected to be one of the future key-services, we present a detailed performance evaluation of different network topologies transmitting high quality video traffic.