Preface xv
to analyze it. In this process we will use techniques drawn from, among others,
probability theory, stochastic processes, constrained optimization and duality, and
graph theory. We believe it is necessary to make forays into these areas in order to
bring their power to bear on the problem at hand. However, we have attempted to
make the book as self-contained as possible. Wherever possible, we have used only
elementary concepts taught in basic courses in engineering mathematics. A brief
overview of most of the advanced mathematical material that we use is provided
in the appendix. Also, wherever possible we have avoided the theorem–proof
approach. Instead, we have developed the theorems or results and then formally
stated them.
After the introductory chapter, we begin the presentation of the main material
of the book in Chapter 2 by giving an overview of the physical layer issues
that are so much more important to understand wireless networks than they
are for wireline networks. Wireless networks are viewed as being either access
networks or mesh networks. In access networks mobile wireless nodes connect to
an infrastructure node, and in mesh networks they form an independent internet
and may or may not connect to an infrastructure network. Access networks are
covered in Chapters 4 through 7 and mesh networks are covered in Chapters 8
through 10.
The wireless networking aspect of the book begins in Chapter 3. Like in our
earlier book, Communication Networking: An Analytical Approach, we precede
the discussion on access networks by listing the issues and setting the performance
objectives of a wireless network in Chapter 3. FDM-TDMA cellular networks (of
which GSM networks are a major example) are discussed in Chapter 4, with the
focus on signal-to-interference ratio analysis, on channel allocation, and on the
call blocking and call dropping performance. Chapter 5 is on CDMA networks
where the main emphasis is on interference management via power allocation.
Whereas the traffic model in Chapter 4 and in much of Chapter 5 is an arrival
process of calls, each with a rate requirement, in Chapter 6, on OFDMA access
networks, we consider buffered models, and discuss power allocation over time
and over carriers with the objectives of stability and mean delay. In Chapter 7,
we discuss the performance of distributed allocation of channel time in wire-
less LANs.
We begin our discussion of mesh networks in Chapter 8 by considering
optimal routing and scheduling in a given mesh network. One can view this class of
problems as the optimal allocation of time and space in a network. In Chapter 9
we explore fundamental limits of this time and space allocation to the flows.
Chapter 10 is on the emerging area of sensor networks, a rich field of research
issues including connectivity and coverage properties of stochastic networks, and
distributed computation.
Some of the material in Chapter 5 and most of the material in Chapters 6
through 10 are being covered in a wireless networking textbook for the first time.
We have not obtained new results for the book but we have trawled the literature
to pick out the fundamental results and those that are illustrative of the issues