MIMO Cross-Layer Design for Ad-Hoc Networks

The performance of a cross-layer (physical and MAC) design for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system that maximizes the throughput of ad-hoc networks by selecting the optimum antenna combination is investigated. This cross-layer design is shown to improve the overall network performance relative to the case with no antenna selection. To further improve the overall network throughput, we minimize the effect of node blocking in the IEEE 802.11 medium-access control (MAC) protocol. The proposed protocol leverage the available degrees of freedom offered by the MIMO system to allow neighboring nodes to simultaneously communicate using the zero-forcing Bell-labs layered space-time (BLAST) architecture. The performance of the proposed cross-layer design is examined through simulations to show the throughput advantage relative to conventional MAC protocols.