OPTIMIZING WIRELESS NETWORK THROUGHPUT:
METHODS AND APPLICATIONS
by
Pengcheng Zhan
A dissertation submitted to the faculty of
Brigham Young University
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Brigham Young University
December 2007
Copyright c© 2007 Pengcheng Zhan
All Rights Reserved
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COMMITTEE APPROVAL
of a dissertation submitted by
Pengcheng Zhan
This dissertation has been read by each member of the following graduate committee
and by majority vote has been found to be satisfactory.
Date
A. Lee Swindlehurst, Chair
Date
Brian D. Jeffs
Date
Randal W. Beard
Date
David G. Long
Date
Clark N. Taylor
BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY
As chair of the candidate’s graduate committee, I have read the dissertation of
Pengcheng Zhan in its final form and have found that (1) its format, citations, and
bibliographical style are consistent and acceptable and fulfill university and depart-
ment style requirements; (2) its illustrative materials including figures, tables, and
charts are in place; and (3) the final manuscript is satisfactory to the graduate com-
mittee and is ready for submission to the university library.
Date
A. Lee Swindlehurst
Chair, Graduate Committee
Accepted for the Department
Michael J. Wirthlin
Graduate Coordinator
Accepted for the College
Alan R. Parkinson
Dean, Ira A. Fulton College of
Engineering and Technology
ABSTRACT
OPTIMIZING WIRELESS NETWORK THROUGHPUT:
METHODS AND APPLICATIONS
Pengcheng Zhan
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Ever since Marconi succeeded in his first demonstration on the possibility to
communicate over the air overseas about a century ago, wireless communications
have experienced dramatic improvements. Today’s world sees the penetration of
wireless communications into human life almost everywhere, from a simple remote
control for TV to a cellular phone. With a better understanding of the adverse
nature of the wireless propagation