An Optimization Based Uplink Scheduler for IEEE 802.16 Networks

While IEEE 802.16 standardizes the PHY and MAC layers of wireless metropolitan area networks (MAN), optimal scheduling which is crucial in providing QoS, remains to be an open issue. In this paper, we propose an optimization based uplink scheduling algorithm which aims at maximizing the throughput while guaranteeing the negotiated QoS parameters for all connections. Unlike typical strict priority schedulers the proposed scheduler is able to satisfy the requirements of higher priority connections while not letting the lower priority connections to be neglected. Additionally, a parameter is defined to ensure fairness among rtPS connections. The scheduler's performance is then evaluated through simulations.