An IP cross-layer scheduler with closed-loop control for QoS provisioning in NGNs

Next-generation networks (NGNs) will support quality of service over a mixed wired and wireless IP-based infrastructure. A relative model of service differentiation in differentiated services architecture is a scalable solution for delivering multimedia traffic. However, considering the dynamic nature of radio channels specifically, it is difficult to achieve a given service provisioning working at the IP and lower layers separately as in the classical approach without a run-time adaptation of the system towards the target quality. This work describes an IP cross-layer scheduler able to support a Proportional Differentiation Model (PDM) for delay guarantees also over wireless. The key idea is to leverage feedbacks from the lower layers about the actual delays experienced by packets in order to tune at run-time the priority of the IP service classes in a closed-loop control with the objective of supporting a PDM at the interface on the whole, considering the cumulative latency across multiple layers, as relevant for the end-user. A simulation analysis demonstrates the prominent improvements in reliability and robustness of the proposal in the case of time-variant performance of the MAC and PHY layers with respect to the classical non-cross-layer approach and open-loop control. Furthermore, considerations on the required functionality and likely deployment scenarios highlight the scalability and backward compatibility of the designed solution, addressing a sustainable approach and smooth migration to NGNs.