Architecture for Content and Host-Centric Information Dissemination in Delay-Tolerant MANETs

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are composed of mobile devices connected wirelessly to form a network without the need for existing network architecture or centralized control. A MANET is particularly useful for situations in which traditional network connectivity is unavailable or infrastructure is inadequate. However, managing communications effectively while minimizing delay in such networks made up of smartphones is a complex task. Challenges with current approaches include network instability from the mobile nature of MANETs, frequent disconnections, and latency challenges. Precise routing and managing varying load in different parts of the network are also significant issues. Current methods also struggle to handle traffic control as the size of the network scales. Lag-free communication links are scarce in MANETs, and this technology seeks to enable and enhance this type of network sharing.

Technology Description

This technology focuses on an architecture designed for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) made up of smartphones. It allows for both content-centric and host-centric communications, which are delay tolerant. Cross-network communications and Internet sharing are key features, permitting sharing if one of the smartphones has internet access. Two distinct routing mechanisms are included, one for content-centric communication and another for host-centric communications. It employs variations of the optimized link state routing (OLSR) protocol and a modified version of PRoPHET for routing content-centric communications. What differentiates the technology is its use of various alternatives of store and forward for host-centric communications, such as binary spray and wait, designed to provide preferred routing paths. The communication between mobile devices capitalizes on wireless communication, with a focus on the IEEE802.11 standard. This specialized architecture is built with an emphasis on smartly managing communication pathways and overcoming the issue of delays in MANETs.