Resource Management in IEEE 802.11ax based Networks for Spectrum Efficiency and QoS

Resource Management in IEEE 802.11ax based Networks for Spectrum Efficiency and QoS

PROBLEM STATEMENT

The objective of this work is to develop ML algorithms for dynamic channel assignment (Resource Units (RU) Allocation) in IEEE 802.11ax based WiFi networks to increase the reliability and efficiency of communication in Wi-Fi Networks. IEEE 802.11ax employ OFDMA based channel access scheme where each AP assigns Orthogonal Channels (RUs) to stations to enable multiple simultaneous communication links. To support legacy 802.11 stations, channel access is still based on CSMA/CA protocol however, in single TxoP acquired by AP, OFDMA channel assignments can be done to improve network throughput and Quality of Service (QoS).

This research thesis aims at studying IEEE 802.11ax standard RU assignment mechanism and developing an efficient RU assignment algorithm (may be based on ML) to improve network throughput and QoS in the network. The channel assignment algorithm would require interference measurements and achieved throughput/latency from stations for efficient resource allocation decisions. We would keep the study limited to IEEE 802.11ax based stations only to ease out the problem.

Task

The student will develop simulations in Network Simulator 3 (NS3) to develop a resource management algorithm. They will:

1. Simulate a network with multiple stations and Access Point generating different traffic in uplinks and downlinks
2. Study the IEEE 802.11ax concepts regarding channel access, TxoP and OFDMA resource assignments
3. Propose and develop a efficient resource management algorithm to improve network efficiency, throughput and QoS.  

The student will work on network simulations using C++ and Python to develop his/her algorithms and analyse the results.

WORK

20% Theory, 60% Implementation, 20% Writing

Contact:

Kamran Zia (k.zia@utwente.nl)