Performance analysis of a MAC protocol for multiple services in cellular broadband networks

This paper analyses the performance of a new MAC layer protocol proposed for use in the return channel of a cellular broadband network which has fixed, or cordless access to multiple services classes such as voice and video-on-demand. The asymmetrical nature of cellular broadband networks means that the return channel must be optimized to support a dynamically changing traffic load. Any MAC layer protocol must therefore support multiple connections that may have different service characteristics. A dynamic TDMA slot allocation protocol is proposed which provides telephony, Internet and VoD services in the wireless return channel. Computer simulations allowing the performance of the proposed MAC layer to be analyzed are presented. The results highlight the capability of the protocol to support a range of multiple traffic service classes.