Hierarchical frame aggregation techniques for hybrid fiber-wireless access networks

In this article, we consider the medium access control enhancements of emerging high-throughput WLANs and introduce a novel fiber-wireless (FiWi) backhaul network architecture that integrates the next-generation WLAN-based wireless mesh network and Ethernet passive optical network. We propose and examine advanced hierarchical aggregation techniques by means of analysis, simulation, and experiment to improve FiWi network throughput- delay performance for voice, video, and data traffic. To the best of our knowledge, this article is the first to examine the use of advanced frame aggregation techniques in EPON and integrated WLAN-EPON-based FiWi networks.