A QoS Model Based on NSIS Signalling Applied to IEEE 802.16 Networks

IEEE 802.16 networks provide mechanisms for QoS support at MAC level, but end-to-end QoS issues are not addressed in detail in the standards. This paper presents an analysis and an experimental validation of a comprehensive solution that describes and implements end-to-end QoS in networks with IEEE802.16e segments. A complete QoS model has been specified, defining the traffic descriptors, the QoS parameters and the resource management functions for networks with WiMAX access. This QoS model has been applied to the next step in signalling (NSIS) protocol suite and its impact has been evaluated on end-to-end QoS when heterogeneous network domains are involved. This work is based on the of results of activities focussed on the study of signalling protocols, carried out within the EU Integrated Project WEIRD (WiMAX extension to isolated research data networks).