Towards self-organising networking
The emerging ad hoc network is a local area or small network that allows connection of the constituent wireless devices only for the duration of a communication session. In the case of mobile or portable devices, networking exists while the devices stay in some close proximity to the network. Such a networking environment where the users' mobile devices are the network whose infrastructure (e.g. routers, switches, servers) provides functionalities are referred to as Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANET's). Inspired by this innovation the MOBILEMAN focused on advancing the MANET paradigm. The main focus was placed on communication in a metropolitan area that is called Mobile Metropolitan Ad Hoc Network (MobileMAN). This autonomous, self-organised, wireless multimedia network consists of user devices without relying on additional infrastructure for enabling information exchange among mobile devices. The network terminals of the user devices are modern mobile phones or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) equipped with wireless interfaces. For this purpose the developed framework is capable of supporting routing protocols of various ad hoc networks, such as proactive, reactive and also some hybrid solutions. The software package is installed in a node (PDA or Laptop) that runs Linux operating system and includes four subsystems. One of these is the Common Cache Registry Server for ensuring continuous storage of routing information and other data employed by the rest of modules. The Reactive, Proactive and Hybrid modules are independent software components that implement specific routing protocols, reactive, proactive and hybrid respectively. The technology can be easily decomposed in its components with clearly defined interfaces allowing easy integration and the possibility of adding new functionalities. The routing protocols used can provide stable connections even if terminals are moving around giving access to remote users. For further information click at: http://cnd.iit.cnr.it/mobileMAN/(opens in new window)
