Automated mapping of MAC parameters into generic QoS parameters by Inter-MAC adaptors

This paper introduces a technology convergence adaptor for a previously presented Inter-MAC architecture for heterogeneous home area networks. Its main task is to translate technology-dependent link metrics into a machine readable common language. This language allows for the description of various service and application classes and provides means to describe link metrics of underlying MAC protocols. Based on this description technology-dependent conversion formulae can be integrated, which enable the calculation of technology-independent quality of service metrics. These metrics are essential for path selection and admission control in heterogeneous meshed home area networks. Example conversion formulae for wireless LAN based on IEEE 802.11 [2] are given, which can be well described in the proposed common language.