Predicting path quality with cross-layer information in multi-hop wireless networks

Routing path quality is an important parameter that can be used to characterize the reliability of data transmissions in multi-hop wireless networks. An accurate method to predict path quality can provide a valuable insight into the routing process design for supporting reliable transmissions in various types of wireless network implementations. Existing studies describe the data transmission process based only on the information from Network layer. However, Data link layer also affects the outcomes of the data transmissions too. In this paper, a theoretical mathematical model for predicting path quality in term of Packet Reception Ratio (PRR) is presented. The proposed mathematical model is based on the cross-layer information from both the network layer and the data link layer. The proposed model is validated with the results from NS2 simulator and the results from existing model. The results from the comparisons show that the proposed model can provide the estimated PRR values that are much closer to the simulation results than the existing model.