Adaptive link layer strategies for asymmetric high-speed wireless communications

A forward error correction (FEC) strategy and a medium access control (MAC) protocol that are thoroughly tailored to complement and support a high-speed asymmetric physical layer design based on equalization and precoding is presented and fully discussed. Both proposals exhibit a high degree of adaptability and flexibility, which allows for increased data throughput while providing a wide range of quality-of-service requirements. Fast link layer adaptation is made possible through the joint design of link and physical layers. The adaptive FEC algorithm is based on the use of variable-rate trellis coded modulation with fast channel estimation, while the MAC protocol employs a centralized, dynamic slot allocation technique. The overall system design is shown to achieve high spectral efficiency, while minimizing energy consumption at the portable unit.