A cross-layer scheduling algorithm for DQCA-based WLAN systems with heterogeneous voice-data traffic

This paper proposes a cross-layer priority-based scheduling algorithm for WLAN systems using the DQCA MAC protocol where heterogeneous voice-data traffic is present. In this algorithm voice users have always the highest priority while among the data users, higher priority is given to the user with higher measured signal-to-noise ratio. Therefore, each user transmits with the maximum corresponding available rate. The performance of the proposed algorithm is compared to those without cross-layer and with the basic DQCA operation without any service distinction. Simulation results show that this enhanced scheme improves the efficiency of the system in terms of data throughput and voice users´ capacity. Furthermore, for a given number of voice users, a higher offered data load is supported