Optimal DLC protocol configuration for realistic broadband fixed wireless access networks based on ATM

DLC protocols, scheduling, and multiplexing issues for broadband fixed wire less access networks based on ATM are discussed. The established DSA++ MAC protocol has been developed at ComNets and has been widely applied within t he German project ATMmobil. It has been a fundamental contribution to the E TSI BRAN standardisation of HIPERLAN/2. The DSA++ is here modified to perfo rm optimal within the fixed wireless access network environment. Therefore, realistic traffic as well as radio channel models for the respective scena rios are introduced. Simulation results are presented, showing the feasibil ity of the respective protocol stack for offering broadband multimedia serv ices with reasonable quality of service. In addition to this advanced proto col approach, two systems are discussed which are currently under standardi sation process. The IEEE 802.16 as well as the European HIPERACCESS systems are both proposed for fixed wireless access networks. Expected scenarios a nd applications are presented and basic requirements the standards have to fulfil are derived. As another aspect of access networks, their impact on t he global information society is discussed.