Cross-Layer Design Approach with Power Consciousness for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

The protocols used in mobile ad-hoc networks are based on the layered architecture. The layered approach is highly rigid and strict since each layer of the architecture is only concerned about the layers immediately above it or below it. Recent wireless protocols rely on significant interactions among various layers of the network stack. A cross-layer design (CLD) introduces stack wide layer interdependencies to optimize network performance. The CLD use the state information flowing throughout the network stack to adapt their behavior accordingly. In this paper, CLD based architecture is proposed, where the objective is to provide a solution for power conservation, congestion control, and link failure management. The link quality is determined by the received signal strength at the physical layer. The channel interference, contention and RTS/CTS packets of the MAC layer are used to determinethe transmitting power and ensure the Quality of Service at the application layer.