NetMoAd: Scalability, Dependability, and Flexibility in Ad Hoc Networks

Abstract

Abstract. Wireless ad-hoc networking is increasingly seen as critical part of ubiquitous self-configuring networking environments, including home and sensory networks and networks required to support ideas of pervasive computing. While basic principles of networking remain intact the large number of networked elements many of which exhibit mobility while being limited in power and other aspects introduces challenges not seen in traditional networks. The complexity of these future networks is further aggravated as increasing flora of applications exploit increasing diversity in of network and user equipment. Ad-hoc networking requires these devices to play a dual role of an end-system acting in its own interests and also the role of a router forwarding package on behalf of other devices. We foresee a wide range of operating environments from highly volatile -with rapidly moving mobiles and fluttering availability, to semi stable sensory environments -where node failures or external changes are the primary sources of network volatility. FrameworkWe have recently started a project on ad-hoc networking focused on scalability and dependability and flexibility by targeting three main areas: reachability and routing, aggregation of routing information and on nodal architecture and operating system support for the duality required for the networked elements. While based on our own prior work and that of others, the project is in its early stages with limited amount of results so far. This abstract briefly describes the project, our approaches and our preliminary results.The research is conducted at the Network Systems and Services Laboratory at Reykjavík University, lead by Dr. Gísli Hjálmtýsson, professor of Computer Science. The effort constitutes a new direction for our research on network and router architectures, and novel network systems and services. In particular, we aim to build on our prior and ongoing work on active and programmable networking [1,2] and self-configuring services [3,4], rapid restoration [5,6,7], and service dependability [8]. In addition to Professor Hjálmtýsson, Prof. Heimir Þór Sverrisson and two Ph.D. students are involved at this early stage of the project.