Tutorial CICSyN 2012: Cross Layer Optimization in Ad-hoc Network Using Directional Antenna and Switching Network

Summary form only given, as follows. In the field of wireless network new challenges have erupted with growing technologies. The challenges are to accommodate new standards, protocols and services with better performance. The parameters to cater are data rate, spatial reuse and reducing interference. In wireless communication lower three layers play a major role thus cross layer communication is required to use information available in one layer to another layer, which needs optimization of cross layer communication. In this paper we have provided a solution using directional antenna. By using this method problems like channel interference, spatial reuse have been reduced and has provided stable path by increasing the coverage range and reducing the no of hops, which has helped in eliminating frequent route errors in ad hoc networks by incorporating some changes in MAC layer and in routing layer. In this work we have used DSR (Dynamic Source Routing) protocol, because this protocol is a more appropriate for directional antennas as it has less complexity than other routing protocols. This has achieved cross layer optimization between the MAC layer and Routing Protocol so that it gives a better performance than omni directional antennas. The option of using Microwave switching network is also being investigated to improve throughput and mitigate problems arised due to use of directional antennas.