Ad hoc and Sensor Networks

Ad-hoc networks are formed in situations where mobile computing devices require networking applications when a fixed network infrastructure is not available or not preferred to be used. In such cases, mobile devices may possibly set up an ad hoc network themselves. Ad-hoc networks are decentralized, self-organizing networks and are capable of forming a communication network without relying on any fixed infrastructure.

Ad-hoc networks form a relatively new field of research. In this lecture, besides a general introduction to ad-hoc networks and their applications, we will focus on state-of-the-art methods and technologies for forming an ad-hoc network and maintaining its stability despite the dynamics of the network.

The contents of the course are as follows:

Positioning and applications (Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of the textbook, these topics are basics en prerequisites; And Chapter 5)

• Definition of ad-hoc networks

• Comparison with infrastructure-based systems

• Typical applications

• Advantages and challenges

• Radio technologies for ad-hoc networks

• Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth

Modelling ad-hoc networks

• Propagation models

• Topology models based on graph theory

• Degree and hopcount

• Connectivity theorems

MAC protocols for ad-hoc networks (Chapter 6, 10 of the textbook)

• Introduction to MAC protocols

• Issues and design goals

• Classification

• Directional, muli-channel MAC protocols

• Energy efficiency in MAC protocols

• Quality of service

Self-organisation and Routing (Chapters 7, 8, 11 of the textbook)

• Flooding

• Node discovery, neighbour discovery

• Route establishment

• Topology maintenance, localisation

• Proactive, reactive, and hybrid routing

• Typical protocols

• Energy efficiency in routing

• Broadcast and multicast

• Effects of mobility on connectivity and capacity

• Effect of nodes joining and leaving the network

Advanced issues in ad hoc networks

• Wireless sensor networks (Chapter 12 of the textbook and papers)

• Cooperation (Reference papers)

• Measuring Wireless Networks and Simulating MAC and Routng in ad hoc networks as part of projects (optional: ns3, OMNET, OPNET)

• Energy Harvesting

Project presentations by students