Cross-Layer Optimization Architecture for WiMAX Systems

The traditional layered-protocol architecture seems to be inefficient in wireless network environment as the wireless channel is time-varying in nature. The IEEE 802.16 standard which the WiMAX system is based upon is also designed according to such layered-protocol stacks. To obtain overall performance gain however, cross-layer optimization is essential. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer optimization architecture for WiMAX system. It consists of a cross-layer optimizer which acts as an interface between MAC and PHY layers. It gathers and optimized the parameters from both layers to achieve optimum performance gain. Preliminary simulations were conducted to justify the need for cross-layer optimization.