Divided into four sections, the volume begins with an introduction to various broadband wireless multimedia systems. Using video as an application example, it then focuses on the routing and cross-layer design issue of multimedia communication over multihop wireless ad hoc and sensor networks. The next section discusses issues related to multimedia communications over WLANs--a dominant part of today's broadband wireless access networks. The book concludes with recent developments in quality-of-service (QoS) provisioning mechanisms and other enabling technologies, including middleware, mobility management, scheduling, and power control.

With numerous illustrative figures and extensive references, this useful technical guide gives in-depth treatments of basic topics, a solid overview of cutting-edge advances, and a representative sampling of important research outcomes.