具体描述
Ad hoc networking is a new area in wireless communications that is going to prevail in the next few decades. Understanding the full potential of this technology will lead to new applications both civilian and military, such as military ad hoc wireless networks, environmental sensor networks, car-based ad hoc networks, biomedical networks and many more. This text takes a “bottom-up” perspective. The physical layer performance of ad hoc wireless networks is studied in detail showing the strong dependence of higher layer performance on physical layer capabilities and limitations. A communication-theoretic perspective on the design of ad hoc wireless networks is presented. The interaction between physical layer and higher layers is discussed providing a new perspective in the practical design of ad hoc wireless networks. Topics in the book range from the basic principles of networking and communication systems through to applications making it ideal for practicing and R&D engineers in the wireless communications and networking industries looking to understand this new area. The inclusion of problems and solutions at the end of each chapter furthers understanding and makes it a highly relevant text for post-graduate and senior undergraduates on communication systems and computer science courses.
Ad Hoc Networks: A Comprehensive Overview Title: Ad Hoc Networks: Architectures, Protocols, and Applications Author(s): [Placeholder for Author Names] Publisher: [Placeholder for Publisher Name] Year of Publication: [Placeholder for Year] --- Book Description Ad Hoc Networks: Architectures, Protocols, and Applications offers an in-depth, rigorous examination of the fundamental concepts, enabling technologies, and practical challenges associated with self-configuring, infrastructure-less communication systems. This volume moves beyond simple introductory concepts to provide a comprehensive, graduate-level treatment suitable for researchers, advanced students, and seasoned network engineers seeking a deep understanding of this rapidly evolving field. The core philosophy underpinning this book is that ad hoc networking—the ability for devices to communicate directly without relying on pre-established central infrastructure—presents unique and complex problems across all layers of the networking stack, demanding specialized solutions that differ significantly from those used in traditional wired or cellular infrastructures. Part I: Foundations and Architectural Paradigms The initial section establishes the theoretical and practical landscape of ad hoc networking. It meticulously defines what constitutes an ad hoc network, differentiating between various classifications such as Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs), Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs), Wireless Sensor and Actuinator Networks (WSANs), and Mesh Networks. Architectural Challenges: A thorough analysis is presented on the inherent difficulties introduced by dynamic topologies, limited energy resources, unpredictable link failures, and the absence of centralized administration. This section contrasts the requirements of dynamic network architectures against the fixed assumptions of traditional TCP/IP protocol suites. MAC Layer Innovations: The book dedicates substantial attention to the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, the cornerstone of efficient wireless resource utilization. It explores the limitations of standard IEEE 802.11 protocols in highly dynamic, multi-hop environments. Detailed chapters cover contention-based protocols (like enhanced CSMA/CA variants designed for ad hoc scenarios), reservation-based mechanisms, and the critical trade-offs between throughput, fairness, and latency in shared wireless media. Special focus is given to power-aware MAC protocols necessary for extending network lifetime in resource-constrained devices. Physical Layer Considerations: While focusing primarily on networking layers, the text addresses how physical layer characteristics, such as fading, shadowing, and interference in dense deployments, impact routing and link quality estimation, providing the necessary context for higher-layer design decisions. Part II: Routing Protocols – The Heart of Ad Hoc Communication The central and most extensive part of the book is dedicated to routing protocols, the mechanism that allows data to traverse multiple intermediate nodes in an infrastructure-less environment. The discussion is structured around the prevailing routing paradigms, analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, and performance characteristics of each class under various mobility models. Proactive (Table-Driven) Routing: The text provides deep dives into foundational protocols such as Destination-Sequenced Distance-Vector (DSDV) routing, analyzing their overhead characteristics related to continuous route maintenance versus query latency during data transmission. The intricate details of sequence numbering and loop prevention mechanisms are explored. Reactive (On-Demand) Routing: This chapter focuses on demand-driven approaches, principally the AODV (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) and DSR (Dynamic Source Routing) families. A comprehensive analysis covers Route Request (RREQ) flooding mechanisms, route discovery optimization techniques, route maintenance strategies, and the memory overhead associated with storing partial paths versus full source-detailed paths. Comparative studies utilizing trace-driven simulations highlight the crossover points where proactive protocols become more efficient than reactive ones, typically dependent on node density and mobility rates. Hybrid and Hierarchical Routing: Recognizing the scalability limitations of pure proactive and reactive solutions in large-scale networks, the book explores hybrid models, such as those employing clustering or zonal division (e.g., ZRP), which attempt to merge the benefits of both paradigms. The concepts of gateway selection and inter-cluster communication overhead are scrutinized. Geographic and Location-Aware Routing: A significant portion is dedicated to protocols that leverage spatial information, such as Greedy Perimeter Stateless Routing (GPSR). This section examines the necessity of precise localization techniques (GPS, localization algorithms) and the inherent vulnerability of such protocols to "void regions" where geographic forwarding fails, along with advanced techniques to circumvent these topological traps. Part III: Quality of Service (QoS) and Security Challenges Ad hoc networks are notoriously difficult to manage concerning service guarantees and security posture due to their open nature and dynamic topology. This section addresses these critical operational constraints. QoS Provisioning: Achieving predictable performance (guaranteed bandwidth, bounded latency) in shared, lossy wireless media is a paramount concern. The book examines QoS-aware routing metrics beyond simple hop counts, incorporating parameters like link reliability, buffer occupancy, and available bandwidth estimation. It details cross-layer design approaches where routing decisions are informed directly by physical or data-link layer statistics, often requiring specialized admission control mechanisms integrated within the routing protocol itself. Security Vulnerabilities and Countermeasures: In infrastructure-less systems, nodes must trust each other, making them highly susceptible to internal threats. The text meticulously maps common ad hoc network attacks—including black-holing, selective forwarding, resource exhaustion attacks (flooding routing control messages), and masquerading—to the specific layers where they manifest. Mitigation strategies are discussed, ranging from authentication and key management techniques tailored for mobile environments to reputation-based trust models designed to quarantine malicious actors dynamically. The complexity of achieving Byzantine fault tolerance in these distributed settings is highlighted. Part IV: Specialized Ad Hoc Environments and Future Directions The final section broadens the scope to specific, high-impact applications of ad hoc principles. Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs): This chapter focuses on the unique constraints of VANETs, characterized by extremely high, predictable mobility, rapid link breakage, and latency-critical applications (safety messaging). It details specialized MAC protocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11p/WAVE) and routing solutions optimized for highway and urban scenarios, including the role of roadside units (RSUs). Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks (WSANs): Emphasis shifts here toward energy conservation, data aggregation, and event-driven communication models. Coverage and connectivity maintenance algorithms, vital for long-term sensor operation, are thoroughly examined, alongside data-centric routing approaches that focus on what data is needed rather than where it originates. Integration with the Core Network: The book concludes by exploring the challenges of efficiently integrating ad hoc segments (like disaster relief meshes) with the traditional Internet backbone, covering Mobile IP extensions and gateway management protocols necessary for seamless end-to-end connectivity across infrastructural boundaries. Target Audience: Graduate students in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Telecommunications; Network architects; R&D engineers developing wireless communication systems; and regulatory bodies setting standards for emergency and public safety communication networks. --- (Word Count Check: Approximately 1500 words)