There is one more advantage to using mobile ad-hoc networks in combat situations. Modern soldiers grow up with computers and will demand the same applications and user interfaces available to the civilians. The soldiers using instant messaging can then send photos of enemy positions back to the central command and use voice over IP to communicate with the non-military personnel in an occupied area.

Even though there are quite a number of advantages, there are stil unresolved issues. For example, how can one initiate and maintain a network topology in a directional mobile ad-hoc networks environment? Are there routing algorithms that are required to achieve standard, highly efficient multipoint data delivery services?

The bottom line is this -- we need a high directional communication mechanism, dramatically higher data rates, low detection portability, and resistance to jamming in high networks to support future military operations. At present mobile ad-hoc networks neither embraces directionality nor supports the qualities of services which are required in different combat operations.

Dr. Humayun Bakht completed his Ph.D at the School of Computing and Mathematics in Liverpool at John Moores University. Prior to his current course of studies, he has successfully completed his MSc Software Engineering and BSc Electronics Engineering from University of Liverpool UK and Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, Pakistan. Humayun's research interest is mobile ad-hoc networks, in particular, the development of a new routing algorithm for this type of networking. He can be reached at humayunbakht@yahoo.co.uk and you can visit his Web site at http://www.geocities.com/humayunbakht/.