Lecturer: Stefan Nowak, University of Dortmund

Abstract

Future home area networks (HANs) will incorporate a rich variety of different networking technologies to meet the high demands of future applications and services, becoming more and more available for end customers.

One key ingredient of such heterogeneous HANs could be a novel sub-layer termed "Inter-MAC" - an original OMEGA invention - which is located between the network layer and different technology-dependent data link layers. The Inter-MAC enables heterogeneous meshed HANs, as it allows for switching among different transmission technologies hidden from the network layer. Further, it accounts for Quality of Service as well as energy constraints.

In this tutorial, the development of the Inter-MAC from a vision to a mature concept that is going into standardisation is highlighted. The reasoning and the main technical concepts behind the Inter-MAC will be introduced and explained in detail in order to understand the challenges and possible solutions for future HANs.

Lecturer: Isabelle Siaud, Orange Labs

Abstract

The key challenge of the OMEGA project has been to design multiple interface management (MIM) mechanisms to enable seamless connectivity in multi-mode devices. This tutorial describes MIM solutions developed in the OMEGA project, including background information on other collaborative projects.

Advanced MIM algorithms dedicated to inter-MAC mechanisms have been developed following two approaches. The first one considers emerging technologies, where PHY/MAC system-design scalability is possible. MIM algorithms are then simplified by PHY radio convergence, adaptive PHY layer mechanisms, and advanced FMT architectures. The second approach comprises both existing standards and emerging solutions, utilising novel PHY/MAC metrics to perform multiple air interface switching.

Two metrics are proposed and detailed: a green PHY radio metric and a link level metric considering both PHY and MAC characteristics. Both metrics have been applied to similar air interfaces (Wi-Fi, 60 GHz and UWB), leading to similar air interface selection. The tutorial concludes on a future harmonised metric including identified relevant parameters to perform MIM considering link budget optimisation, QoS constraints like throughput and component power consumption.