Using efficient backlog estimation to achieve near-optimal throughput for integrated multimedia wireless cellular access

We have recently introduced in the literature a new access control protocol for next generation wireless cellular networks, which showed superior performance in comparison to other (TDMA and WCDMA-based) protocols when integrating various types of multimedia traffic. In this Extended Abstract, we show that the use of stack protocols to resolve contention among contending multimedia terminals is not the only satisfactory solution. Although stack protocols have been shown in the literature to be operationally simple and stable, the use of efficient backlog estimation can help the system achieve near-optimal throughput with slotted Aloha-based contention, while integrating streams from latest technology video encoders with other types of packet traffic over noisy wireless cellular networks.