Flexible route control for wireless multi-hop internet access

Abstract

Pervasive ad hoc networks are a promising approach to realize ubiquitous Internet access. If an end terminal is located outside of the coverage area of an infrastructure network, neighboring terminals may relay packets so that the packets can reach the infrastructure network. In order to meet the diverse QoS requirements of applications in such a mixture of an ad hoc network and an infrastructure network, we propose a cross-layer route control mechanism. The proposed mechanism allows dynamic change of the routing metric based on the requirements of applications running. We also propose a new routing metric called hybrid metric. I t takes into account both the optimality of ad hoc network configuration and the link quality of the connection between the ad hoc network and an infrastructure network to be connected. We confirmed by computer simulation that the hybrid metric is effective in improving throughput. The hybrid metric is added as a routing metric option for the proposed route control mechanism and improves route control flexibility.