Integrated link adaptation and power control to improve error and throughput performance in broadband wireless packet networks

In this paper, we prove that the problem of maximizing data throughput by adaptive modulation and power control while meeting packet error requirements is NP-complete. A heuristic algorithm for integrated link adaptation and power control is, thus, proposed to achieve specified error rates and to improve overall throughput for real-time applications in broadband wireless packet networks. The algorithm divides terminals into groups according to their signal path gains and periodically adapts transmissions based on the required error rates, actual error statistics, and average transmission power of each terminal group. Transmission power is adjusted by an enhanced Kalman-filter method to ensure successful reception. Extensive simulation results reveal that the algorithm consistently delivers the specified error performance and attempts to maximize network throughput for a wide range of parameter settings.