Comparing Backhauling Solutions in WiFi Networks

In this paper, we compare the capacities of WiFi networks in their different possible implementations. These implementations include hierarchical WiFi/WiMAX networks where WiFi APs are connected to the Internet using WiMAX links, and WiFi mesh networks where WiFi APs may play the role of routers that send packets to other APs, acting as Internet gateways. At the packet level, we model both WiFi and WiMAX throughputs, taking into account inter-cell interference and radio conditions heterogeneity over the network. At the flow level, we provide a Markovian analysis that calculates the performance metrics like the blocking rate and the user-perceived throughput. The interaction between the different cells in the network, at the access and backhaul layers, is solved by a fixed point approach. Our numerical results illustrate the capacity of the network and compare the proposed solutions in different traffic scenarios.