Cross-layer optimization, especially combination of channel estimation and position determination in multihop wireless networks (cellular and ad hoc)

The key concern of our research is to investigate concepts ensuring an integration of information and processes available at the layers 1 up to 3 of the protocol stack to realize an overall optimization of both resource usage efficiency and performance in self-configurable and self-healing wireless networks (cellular and ad hoc). The essence of the research avenue lies in the fact that, from an information theoretical point of view, information available at different layers of the protocol stack contains per se a certain degree of redundancy that can be used for cross layer optimization. For example, processes of the physical and MAC layers like directional channel estimation, synchronization, bit error rate and signal strength can be used to obtain a quite good estimation of the range (distance) between senders and receivers. On the other hand, position and topology information, for example, can be used to optimize a series of processes at the other layers, for example, channel estimation & adaptive modulation, power control, and mobility management (including movement detection, dynamic guard channel schemes, handoff and load balancing).