Optimization of a link adaptation algorithm for voice over wireless LAN applications

Auto rate fallback (ARF) is a link adaptation algorithm that uses layer-2 acknowledgement messages to make decisions to increase or decrease the transmission rate. The algorithm is configured by choosing thresholds to define its behavior. The ARF algorithm is applied to voice-over-IP users in an IEEE 802.11a wireless LAN system, and system simulation is used to determine the optimal ARF configuration. Configuration performance is judged using a unique voice quality metric, which is used to establish a measure of system capacity for a single access point with several voice users. Results indicate that the ARF configuration can significantly impact capacity, and one configuration of ARF provides a capacity within 13% of the available capacity.