Unified Cross-Layer Framework: A Generic Platform for Cross-Layer Design Experimentation

Cross-layer designs in wireless network systems have been an active research area. Numerous cross-layer schemes are proposed to improve overall system performance by allowing information to be shared and controlled across protocol layers. However, the majority of the previous research work in this area is theoretic. The main obstacle which hinders researchers from real implementation is the complexity involved in lower-level driver modification and kernel programming. Moreover, common pitfalls of cross-layer scheme implementation can lead to unexpected system performance degradation. In this paper the authors propose Unified Cross-layer Framework (UCF), a generic mechanism for OS to support cross-layer schemes.