System Architecture Design

pSHIELDSystem Architecture DesignPU3.1.2.2.2 New CLA3.1.2.2.2.1 Cross-Layer Interaction ModelThe cross-layer architectures proposed in the literature do not address all the design goals ofinteroperability, rapid prototyping, maintainability, portability and efficiency. Starting from thisconsideration, the goal of this work is to provide a generic framework for building and organizing a crosslayerinteractions model (CLIM) which could serve as a unified and simple way to implement cross-layeroptimizations (see Figure 5). When using CLIM, the concept of NF (Network Feature) should also beintroduced. A NF is either a functional service that can be provided to the end-user (e.g. QoS), or anetwork component whose operations/configurations are supposed to be critical in terms of performance,efficiency or services, at the system level or for the user satisfaction. Basically, cross-layer interactionsmay be local to or distant within a network node.In many cases only two elementary NF are involved in the adaptation and interaction (one source NF, onetarget NF). In some other cases multiple (local or distant) entities could participate. Local communicationsbetween protocols of non-neighbour layers are done through a local interface that must be defined.Figure 5 - Proposed Cross-Layer Interaction ModelThe cross-layer architecture and interaction module CLIM has two main components: 1) QoS andResource Management and 2) Mobility Management. The QoS and Resource Management componentincludes:• SIP and MAC cross-layer interactions used to support the interworking between WiMAX andDVB-RCS and multimedia QoS-aware application• Transport layer and MAC cross-layer interaction (i.e. the interaction between TCP PEP(Performance Enhancing Proxy) and DAMA (Demand Assignment Multiple Access) in the MAC)PUD2.3.2Issue 5 Page 22 of 122