Dynamic packet scheduling for wireless channel with varying capacity

This paper proposes a new scheduling algorithm, called variable-weight GPS (VWGPS), for wireless networks. This algorithm is based on the GPS (generalised processor sharing) model for allocating channel capacity to flows according to their weight values. However, the weight values in VWGPS are adjustable, depending on the channel status and the rate-reduction tolerance flows. VWGPS realizes this mechanism via two independent processes in our scheduling scheme: the forward process allocates the capacity according to performance requirements flows, and the reverse one controls the service-rate reduction of flows according to their levels of tolerance. The main benefit of the VWGPS algorithm is the capability to accommodate flows with dissimilar tolerances to service quality degradation, which is mainly caused by the reduction of the channel capacity. The efficiency of the VWGPS algorithm is demonstrated by the results of the analysis and computer simulations.