Frame structure for Mobile multi-hop relay (MMR) WiMAX networks

Abstract

Mobile Multi-hop Relay (MMR) WiMAX network uses Relay stations (RSs) to extend the cell coverage, and enhances the link quality and the throughput. In MMR WiMAX networks, the number of hops between the Subscriber stations (SSs) and the Base station (BS) is allowed to be more than two hops when Non transparent RS (NT-RS) is used. However, this requires modification to the frame structure of NT-RS to reduce the delay of relaying the data packets across multiple hops. Therefore, this paper presents a new NT-RS frame structure aimed to decrease the multi-hop relaying delay in order to improve the performance of the data transmission over MMR WiMAX network. The proposed frame structure serves the sub-ordinate SSs as well as NT-RSs in the access zones, while using the relay zones to communicate with its super-ordinate stations. The performance of the proposed frame structure is tested through a simulation work. The results showed that,the forwarding delay is reduced, and hence the link layer and the Transmission control protocol (TCP) throughput are improved significantly.   Key words: IEEE 802.16j, transmission control protocol (TCP) performance, non transparent relay stations (NT-RS), frame structure.