A Cross-Layer Neighbor-Discovery Algorithm for Directional 60-GHz Networks

• Published in: IEEE transactions on vehicular technology Vol. 58; no. 8; pp. 4598 - 4604
• Main Authors: Yildirim, F., Huaping Liu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY IEEE 01.10.2009; Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: 60-GHz communications; Access methods and protocols, osi model; Algorithm design and analysis; Algorithms; Antennas; Applied sciences; Devices; Directional antennas; Directive antennas; Exact sciences and technology; Frequency; Media Access Protocol; neighbor discovery; Networks; Polarization; Radio transmitters; Radiocommunications; Receivers; Reflection; Shadow mapping; Systems, networks and services of telecommunications; Telecommunications; Telecommunications and information theory; Teleprocessing networks. Isdn; Transmission and modulation (techniques and equipments); Transmitters; Transmitters. Receivers; Wireless communication; Wireless networks; Access control; Rectilinear polarization; Circular polarization; Wireless telecommunication; neighbor discovery; Transmitter; Receiver; Algorithm; Directive antenna; Frequency band; Directional antennas; polarization; Access protocol; Localization; 60-GHz communications; High rate transmission
• ISSN: 0018-9545; 1939-9359
• DOI: 10.1109/TVT.2009.2022532

Directional antennas are preferred for efficient wireless communications in the 60-GHz spectrum. Recent efforts to adapt high-data-rate medium access control (MAC) protocols from standards that are designed for operation in the lower frequency bands face challenges in acquiring the location of nearby devices in a network. In this paper, we propose a cross-layer neighbor-discovery algorithm for directional 60-GHz networks to assist the MAC layer in efficiently using the directional antennas. We utilize linear and circular polarization and their different responses to reflection to synchronize the transmitter and the receiver. This difference in response is used to determine if there is a direct path between the transmitter and the receiver. Based on this knowledge, the direction of the neighboring devices is determined through a cyclic scanning. The proposed algorithm is analyzed based on the usage models defined in the standard for 60-GHz networks.