CESE4055 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 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 (Chapter 1, 2 & 3 of the textbook, these topics are basics & pre-requisites; 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 (Chapter 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)
• Simulating ad hoc networks as part of project (optional: ns3, OMNET, OPNET)
• Energy Harvesting

Project presentations by students

Study Goals

By the end of this course students should be able to:

• Model the ad-hoc networks using Graphs.
• Describe the working principles of medium access control protocols for ad-hoc networks
• Explain the working principles, advantages and disadvantages of different classes of routing protocols for ad-hoc networks
• Choose various components to form a coherent ad hoc networking architecture
• Develop a simulator to evaluate the MAC and routing protocols for ad hoc networks
• Assess the suitability of ad-hoc networks for different communication needs and scenarios

Teachers

Last modified: 2023-11-03