A review of cross-layer scheduling and resource allocation for wireless mesh networks

This paper presents a review of cross-layered design approaches for scheduling and resource allocation in wireless mesh networks (WMNs). The paper compares the cross-layered approach to the traditional layered approach and gives motivations for using the cross-layered design technique. We also provide some considerations to take into account when designing a protocol using the cross-layered paradigm. Additionally, we compare different methods of cross-layering for scheduling in WMNs and outline the qualities of each method as well as providing examples of each. This review also gives some suggestions on how to keep cross-layered design simple enough to allow for good software engineering techniques while still increasing performance of the protocols. Other research initiatives where cross-layering could be applied are given and limitations of current cross-layered scheduling and resource allocation schemes are presented to motivate future research work in the area.