A Flexible Protocol Stack for Multi-Mode Convergence in a Relay-based Radio Network Architecture

Abstract:
Wireless networks of next generation will satisfy the user demand for a ubiquitous mobile broadband access. Current research efforts are targeting therefore at the efficient realization of a flexible air-interface and network architecture. The plentitude of envisaged application scenarios and the complexity of communication technology seem to prohibit a "universal air-interface". Instead, many different solutions each customized to a specific communication environment are expected. Ideally, these solutions are modes of specific radio access technologies with a common functional as well as architectural basis. This paper presents the realization of relaybased wireless broadband networks benefiting from the convergence of multiple modes. A flexible air interface considers multi-mode capability in the user and control plane of communication protocols together with the related management. The modes are used in a complementary way, taking maximum benefit of the commonalities between them. The coexistence and cooperation between multiple modes enables the efficient realization of devices supporting multiple modes with the possibility to use available spectrum in a flexible way.