Ad-Hoc Networks

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Abstract: Wireless ad hoc networks (also referred to as packet radio networks and multi-hop radio networks) consist of mobile nodes communicating over a shared wireless channel. Contrary to cellular networks, where the nodes are restricted to communicate with a set of carefully placed base stations, in wireless ad hoc networks there are no base stations; any two nodes are allowed to communicate directly if they are close enough, and nodes must use multi-hop routing to deliver their packets to distant destinations. The lack of wired infrastructure, the nature of the wireless channel, and the mobility of the nodes create many challenging problems in the link, network, and higher layers of the OSI hierarchy. On the other hand, the lack of wired infrastructure and their topology make these networks ideal for many applications, from personal area networks, to search and rescue operations, to massive networks of millions of sensors. It is therefore expected that, once all the technological issues are solved, wireless ad hoc networks will become an integral part of our society's communication network infrastructure.