A dual-band HiperLAN/2-based architecture for indoor hotspot applications

The 1ST BroadWay project, [M. de Courville et al., June 2002], introduces the ad-hoc networking paradigm in the traditional 5 GHz HiperLAN/2. The ad-hoc networking paradigm is employed at the 60 GHz frequency band, which allows for a high transmission rate communication. The dual mode of operation primarily aims at offloading the 5 GHz HiperLAN/2 cell in very dense urban deployments (high traffic needs and number of users), while the peculiarities of the BroadWay system induce modifications on the existing HiperLAN/2 system and make the development of a routing scheme a rather challenging task. The centralized ad-hoc network architecture (CANA) is described as a means to efficiently support multimedia applications that require very high bit rates in low mobility environments; several ad-hoc specific functionalities are included such as neighborhood discovery, clustering and route selection. BroadWay introduces modifications to the MAC of HiperLAN/2 regarding new messages and framing considerations at both frequency bands to cater for the new requirements imposed by the dual mode of operation.