  Dynamic channel selection is among the most important wireless communication
elements in dynamically changing electromagnetic environments wherein a user
can experience improved communication quality by choosing a better channel.
Multi-armed bandit (MAB) algorithms are a promising approach by which the
difficult tradeoff between exploration to search for better a channel and
exploitation to experience enhanced communication quality is resolved.
Ultrafast solution of MAB problems has been demonstrated by utilizing
chaotically oscillating time series generated by semiconductor lasers. In this
study, we experimentally demonstrate a MAB algorithm incorporating laser chaos
time series in a wireless local area network (WLAN). Autonomous and adaptive
dynamic channel selection is successfully demonstrated in an IEEE802.11a-based,
four-channel WLAN. Although the laser chaos time series is arranged prior to
the WLAN experiments, the results confirm the usefulness of ultrafast chaotic
sequences for real wireless applications. In addition, we numerically examine
the underlining adaptation mechanism of the significantly simplified MAB
algorithm implemented in the present study compared with the previously
reported chaos-based decision makers. This study provides a first step toward
the application of ultrafast chaotic lasers for future high-performance
wireless communication networks.
