6 - Quality of service
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2010
Summary
Wireless mobile ad hoc networks consist of mobile nodes interconnected by wireless multi-hop communication paths. Unlike conventional wireless networks, ad hoc networks have no fixed network infrastructure or administrative support. The topology of such networks changes dynamically as mobile nodes join or depart the network or radio links between nodes become unusable. Supporting appropriate quality of service for mobile ad hoc networks is a complex and difficult issue because of the dynamic nature of the network topology and generally imprecise network state information, and has become an intensely active area of research in the last few years. This chapter presents the basic concepts of quality of service support in ad hoc networks for unicast communication, reviews the major areas of current research and results, and addresses some new issues. The focus is on routing issues associated with quality of service support. The chapter concludes with some observations on areas for further investigation.
Introduction
Mobile ad hoc networks offer unique benefits and versatility for certain environments and certain applications. Since a fixed infrastructure, including base stations, is not necessary, they can be created and used “any time, anywhere.” Second, such networks could be intrinsically fault-resilient, for they do not operate under the limitations of a fixed topology. Indeed, since all nodes are allowed to be mobile, the composition of such networks is necessarily time varying. Addition and deletion of nodes occur only by interactions with other nodes; no other agency is involved.
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- Information
- Security and Quality of Service in Ad Hoc Wireless Networks , pp. 107 - 128Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2008