Exploiting opportunistic networking in the GCC

Abstract

Mobile users nowadays expect network connectivity in all places and at all times. While 3G and 4G networks promise to satisfy this growing demand, these networks can be overloaded, and users prefer free network access whenever possible. Research in Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networks (DTNs), has demonstrated the viability of opportunistically utilizing public 802.11 networks for providing networking connectivity. In this paper, we take a first step towards understanding the potential 802.11 resources that can be exploited from taking advantage of opportunistic networking as one of the alternatives for data access on the Internet. We report on the results of a system we built that recorded 802.11 AP's in Doha, and conclude that the GCC is a fertile ground for conducting DTN type research as an alternative that would fulfill the growing demand of its mobile users.