Towards a common benchmark in WiMAX environment

Recently Andrew et al. proposed the TCP Evaluation suite to provide a common test suite for researchers designing new TCP extensions and AQM mechanisms. It defines network topologies, simulation scenarios i.e. traffic characteristic as well as evaluation parameters to provide a common testbed for all new enhancements. The presented remarks determine the essential features of a simulation environment for different solutions in common networks. Following the introduction of a standardized TCP benchmark we propose several improvements to the TCP-targeted test suite which allow WiMAX environment evaluation. Some specific implementation issues can significantly influence the efficiency of the applied solutions. For instance the current WiMAX technology is based on time division duplex (TDD) and the size of TDD burst influences TCP protocol efficiency. Moreover, the scheduling mechanism implemented in a base station (BS) and in subscriber stations (SS) should provide Quality of Service (QoS) which influences overall network performance. Also the bidirectional traffic requires an efficient and adequate scheduling mechanism. This paper aims at proposing requirements for a common WiMAX Evaluation Suite. The authors depict the limitations of the mentioned TCP benchmark and suggest the basic WiMAX topology as well as the scenarios and the output parameters that allow comparing: TCP protocols, scheduling algorithms and QoS requirements fulfillment in a simulator. Moreover we point out the comparison criteria for particular aspects of WiMAX technologies.