PhD Qualifying Examination


"Rate Adaptation Algorithms for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs)"

By Miss Qiuyan Xia


Abstract:

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) have become increasingly popular due
to the recent availability of affordable devices that provide multi-rate
capabilities. To achieve high performance under time-varying channel
conditions, these devices need to tune their transmission rate
dynamically. Therefore, rate adaptation is a critical component of their
performance. However, today's WLANs, such as HIPERLAN/2 and IEEE 802.11
WLAN (standardized in Europe and the USA respectively) do not specify an
algorithm for automatic rate selection; it is intentionally left open to
the vendors. In this survey, we summarize a number of proposed schemes and
also present current research and implementation trends. First, two
factors, namely the physical environment characteristics and the
multi-rate capability of WLANs, that induce the rate adaptation problems
are studied. Then different rate adaptation algorithms are classified and
described in detail along with their advantages/drawbacks. Finally, we
draw a brief conclusion and discuss some future work.


Date:     		Wednesday, 15 December 2004

Time:                   10:30a.m.-12:30p.m.

Venue:                  Room 1504
			lifts 25-26

Committee Members:      Prof. Mounir Hamdi (Supervisor)
                        Dr. Jogesh Muppala (Chairperson)
			Dr. Brahim Bensaou
			Dr. Gary Chan


**** ALL are Welcome ****