Mobile Ad hoc Networks(MANETs)

Abstract

In the near future, a pervasive computing environment can be expected based on the recent progresses and advances in computing and communication technologies. Next generation of mobile communication will include both popular infrastructured wireless networks and novel infrastructureless mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). A MANET is a collection of wireless nodes that can dynamically form a network to exchange information without using any pre-existing fixed network infrastructure. Wireless ad-hoc networks are increasingly being used in the battlefield, emergency search, rescue missions. The special features of MANET bring great opportunities together with severe challenges. This report describes the concept, features, status and fundamental problems of ad hoc networking.

 

1. Introduction

Our future living environments are likely to be based upon information resources provided by the connections of various communication networks for users. New small devices like Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), mobile phones, and laptops enhance the information processing and accessing capabilities with mobility.  To cater the needs of such devices, modern technologies should adopt new model of pervasive computing including new architectures, standards, devices, services, tools and protocols.

Mobile computing is the one of the most important technology supporting pervasive computing. Advances in both hardware and software techniques have enabled the spread of mobile hosts and wireless networking to masses. Generally, there are two modes in which wireless mobile nodes can communicate:

1. Infrastructured: In this mode, all the communication among the mobile nodes goes through a base station. A Base station is also known as access point.  These base stations are connected to the fixed infrastructure or wired networks.

2. Infrastructureless: This mode of communication is known as a mobile ad hoc network (MANET). A MANET is collection of wireless nodes that can dynamically form a network to exchange information without using any pre-existing fixednetwork infrastructure. This is a very important part of communication technology that supports truly pervasive computing, because in many contexts information exchange between mobile units cannot rely on any fixed network infrastructure, but on rapid configuration of a wireless connections on-the-fly.  A typical example of this mode of communication is people sitting in the conference roomand exchanging data among them without any fixed infrastructure.

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