Analysis of Cross-Layer Optimization between Application and Link Layer

Cross-layer optimization (CLO) between the application (APP) layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer of a radio communications system promises significant gains in comparison to a conventional system design, which does not allow for information exchange across layers. However, the amount of these gains depends not only on CLO but also on the application characteristic. In this paper analytical investigations and simulations are carried out that quantify the attainable gains that can be expected in terms of mean opinion score (MOS) and system capacity. The origin of these gains is examined and types of service classes for which CLO is most promising are identified.