Architectures for Heterogeneous Multi-Tier Networks,” accepted to

Abstract. Next-generation wireless computing platforms will contain flexible communications capabilites. At Rice University, the Rice Everywhere NEtwork (RENÉ) project is investigating a multi-standard, multi-tier integration of W-CDMA cellular systems, high speed wireless LANs, and home wireless networks. There are many challenges in mapping these advanced communication algorithms to real-time hardware computing platforms. In this paper, we present current work on the development of a reconfigurable baseband physical layer containing DSP processors and FPGA accelerators. Our goal is the design of a multi-tier network interface card (mNIC) which is capable of exploiting efficient, low-power reconfiguration