Frame descriptor tables for minimized signaling overhead in beyond 3G MAC protocols

In this paper we assess the performance of the frame descriptor tables (FDT) concept applied in combination with a highly dynamic resource allocation scheme. Beyond 3G (B3G) medium access control protocols (MAC) have to meet challenging requirements. In order to support the need for quality of service (QoS) and considering the scarce availability of radio resources, B3G MAC protocols must implement an intelligent resource allocation strategy with minimum signaling overhead guaranteeing high spectral efficiency. In this context the FDT concept seems to be a promising candidate. By eliminating redundant description of frame contents across frames the concept helps to reduce signaling overhead in a frame based reservation scheme. To keep as much flexibility as needed it seems reasonable to apply the FDT concept in combination with a highly dynamic resource allocation scheme. Simulations done in the course of this work prove the high quality of this combined approach