Cross-Layer Network Design using Controllers

A cross-layer design architecture featuring a new network
stack component called a controller is presented. The
controller takes system status information from the protocol
components and uses it to tune the behavior of the network
stack to a given performance objective. A controller design
strategy using a machine learning algorithm and a simulator
is proposed, implemented, and tested. Results show the
architecture and design strategy are capable of producing a
network stack that outperforms the existing protocol stack for
arbitrary performance objectives. The techniques presented
give network designers the flexibility to easily tune the
performance of their networks to suit their application. This
cognitive networking architecture has great potential for high
performance in future wireless networks.