Towards a Cross Layer Framework for ad hoc wireless networks

In a resource-limited wireless communication environment, various approaches to meet the ever growing application requirements in an efficient and transparent manner, are being researched and developed. Amongst many approaches, cross layer technique is by far one of the significant contributions that has undoubtedly revolutionized the way conventional layered architecture is perceived. In this paper, we propose a Cross Layer Framework based on vertical layer architecture. The primary contribution of this paper is the functional architecture of the vertical layer which is primarily responsible for cross layer interaction management and optimization. The second contribution is the use of optimization cycle that comprises awareness parameters collection, mapping, classification and the analysis phases. The third contribution of the paper is the decomposition of the parameters into local and global network perspective for opportunistic optimization. We have shown through simulations how parameters´ variations can represent local and global views of the network and how we can set local and global thresholds to perform opportunistic optimization. Finally, we conclude and highlight future challenges associated with the proposed framework.