Understanding mobile ad-hoc networks

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WIRELESS INFRASTRUCTURE
Understanding mobile ad-hoc networks
By Humayun Bakht

Wireless cellular systems have been in use since 1980s. We have seen their evolutions to first, second and third generation's wireless systems. Wireless systems operate with the aid of a centralized supporting structure such as an access point. These access points assist the wireless users to keep connected with the wireless system, when they roam from one place to the other.

The presence of a fixed supporting structure limits the adaptability of wireless systems. In other words, the technology cannot work effectively in places where there is no fixed infrastructure. Future generation wireless systems will require easy and quick deployment of wireless networks. This quick network deployment is not possible with the existing structure of current wireless systems.

Recent advancements such as Bluetooth introduced a new type of wireless systems known as mobile ad-hoc networks. Mobile ad-hoc networks or "short live" networks operate in the absence of fixed infrastructure. They offer quick and easy network deployment in situations where it is not possible otherwise. Ad-hoc is a Latin word, which means "for this or for this only." Mobile ad-hoc network is an autonomous system of mobile nodes connected by wireless links; each node operates as an end system and a router for all other nodes in the network.

Nodes in mobile ad-hoc network are free to move and organize themselves in an arbitrary fashion. Each user is free to roam about while communication with others. The path between each pair of the users may have multiple links and the radio between them can be heterogeneous. This allows an association of various links to be a part of the same network.

The popular IEEE 802.11 "WI-FI" protocol is capable of providing ad-hoc network facilities at low level, when no access point is available. However in this case, the nodes are limited to send and receive information but do not route anything across the network. Mobile ad-hoc networks can operate in a standalone fashion or could possibly be connected to a larger network such as the Internet.

Mobile ad-hoc networks can turn the dream of getting connected "anywhere and at any time" into reality. Typical application examples include a disaster recovery or a military operation. Not bound to specific situations, these networks may equally show better performance in other places. As an example, we can imagine a group of peoples with laptops, in a business meeting at a place where no network services is present. They can easily network their machines by forming an ad-hoc network. This is one of the many examples where these networks may possibly be used.