Improving uplink bandwidth management in 802.16 networks

In 802.16 networks, bandwidth request-grant mechanisms allow managing the uplink bandwidth needs of subscriber stations. Subscriber stations send their bandwidth requests to the base station, where most of the bandwidth scheduling is centralized. After processing such requests, the base station schedules the transmission of uplink traffic. In this paper we present a preliminary investigation of some bandwidth allocation issues, related to the management of the perception of subscriber stations´ bandwidth needs at the base station. We illustrate how the bandwidth perception varies depending on the policy used to manage bandwidth requests and grants. Focusing on the case of TCP Best Effort traffic, we assess by simulation the potential impact of such policies on the system´s aggregate throughput.