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.