Multidimensional Markov Models for the Cross-Layer Design of Multi-Rate Wireless Systems Using the Effective Capacity Function

In this paper, a novel framework for the cross-layer design of wireless networks combining adaptive modulation and coding (AMC) at the physical layer with an automatic repeat request (ARQ) protocol at the data-link layer is proposed. In order to achieve this goal, the physical-layer service process is first modeled as a multidimensional finite-state Markov chain. Then, based on this multidimensional Markov model, the QoS performance at the data-link layer is characterized using the effective capacity approach. Queueing analysis using this effective capacity function is finally used in a cross-layer design approach aiming to satisfy the required average packet loss probability constraint by maximizing the average throughput of the system. Numerical examples are provided to show the advantages of our approach compared to other approaches using first-order amplitude-based finite state Markov models.