Joint application and physical layer adaptation for improved performance in wireless networks

Lately, cross-layer design in wireless networking has met significant interest. Thus, in the recent literature many cross-layer designs for the performance improvement of a variety of wireless communication networks can be found. In this paper, we describe the notion of cross-layer design, note its significance for wireless communication networks and provide a state of the art containing indicative examples of cross-layer designs in major areas of wireless communications. Additionally, as a case study, we describe a cross-layer mechanism that achieves improved performance of real-time applications over IEEE 802.16(e) networks.