A New Environment-Aware Framework For The Research of Mobile Ad hoc Networks

The purpose of this research is to improve the performance of Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANET) by using simulation. A new self-positioning algorithm was proposed by which the mobile nodes can obtain their locations with and without the existence of Global Positioning System (GPS). This algorithm was integrated into a new routing protocol Location-Label Based Routing (LLBR) protocols. Unlike other location-based routing protocol, LLBR makes it possible to enhance without the aid of GPS, the routing performance using the local coordinates system. It was noticed that the mobility of mobile nodes could have significant influence on the performance of a network and the environment also must be considered carefully as MANET can be deployed anywhere. The need for a framework to better study MANET was identified. The research then moved on to develop an Environment-Aware Framework for the research of MANET. A new Environment-Aware Mobility (EAM) model in which the mobility of mobile nodes can be impacted by the environment was proposed, and two particular sub-models: the Route Mobility Model and the Hotspot Mobility Model targeted at road and hotspot environment, respectively were also proposed to show the flexibility of EAM. Two special mobile ad hoc networks, the RoadLamp-aided Inter-Vehicle Communication (IVC) system and the Bus-aided IVC system are proposed to help improve the performance of the deployed networks in city environments. A set of tools were developed to construct the environment, model the mobility of mobile nodes, visualise the movements and evaluate the performance of the network. The simulation results have shown that network performance can be enhanced by taking advantage of the self-positioning algorithm, the framework which takes the environment into account in simulation, enables more realistic MANET to be studied and evaluated and also proves that the environment must be carefully considered together with the mobility of mobile nodes in the research of MANET. To show the expandability of the framework, a mobility-concerned emulator was also introduced.