Link-Layer Cooperative Communication in Vehicular Networks

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are a special kind of communication networks and possess unique characteristics as compared with general mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), where vehicles communicate with each other or with stationary road side units. Hence, directly applying the existing communication protocols designed for MANETs may not be reliable and efficient in VANETs. Thus, this thesis presents link-layer cooperative frameworks to improve transmission reliability and network throughput over distributed TDMA MAC protocols for VANETs. We present a link-layer node cooperation scheme for VANETs, referred to as Cooperative ADHOC MAC (CAH-MAC). In CAH-MAC, neighboring nodes cooperate to utilize unused time slots to retransmit failed packets. Throughput improvement is achieved by using idle time slots that are wasted in the absence of node cooperation. In addition, as a packet is retransmitted earlier by a relay node, transmission delay and packet dropping rate are reduced. We study the effects of a dynamic networking environment on the performance of CAH-MAC. It is observed that, system performance degrades due to cooperation collisions. To tackle this challenge, we present an enhanced CAH-MAC (eCAH-MAC) scheme. In eCAH-MAC, using different types of packet and by delaying or suspending some relay transmissions, cooperation collisions can be avoided and cooperation opportunities can be efficiently utilize without disrupting the normal operations of the distributed TDMA MAC. We propose a node cooperation based makeup strategy for vehicular networks, referred to as cooperative relay broadcasting (CRB), such that neighboring nodes proactively rebroadcast the packet from a source node. An optimization framework is developed to provide an upper bound on the CRB performance with accurate channel information. Further, we propose a channel prediction scheme based on a two-state first-order Markov chain, to select the best relaying node for CRB. As packets are repeatedly broadcasted by the neighboring nodes before they expire, the proposed CRB framework provides a more reliable broadcast service as compared with existing approaches. The proposed node cooperation frameworks enhance the performance of distributed TDMA MAC and make it more robust to tackle VANET's dynamic networking conditions

Study on QoS support in 802.11e-based multi-hop vehicular wireless ad hoc networks

Multimedia communications over vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET) will play an important role in the future intelligent transport system (ITS). QoS support for VANET therefore becomes an essential problem. In this paper, we first study the QoS performance in multi-hop VANET by using the standard IEEE 802.11e EDCA MAC and our proposed triple-constraint QoS routing protocol, Delay-Reliability-Hop (DeReHQ). In particular, we evaluate the DeReHQ protocol together with EDCA in highway and urban areas. Simulation results show that end-to-end delay performance can sometimes be achieved when both 802.11e EDCA and DeReHQ extended AODV are used. However, further studies on cross-layer optimization for QoS support in multi-hop environment are required

Recent Developments on Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks and Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks

This book presents collective works published in the recent Special Issue (SI) entitled "Recent Developments on Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks and Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks”. These works expose the readership to the latest solutions and techniques for MANETs and VANETs. They cover interesting topics such as power-aware optimization solutions for MANETs, data dissemination in VANETs, adaptive multi-hop broadcast schemes for VANETs, multi-metric routing protocols for VANETs, and incentive mechanisms to encourage the distribution of information in VANETs. The book demonstrates pioneering work in these fields, investigates novel solutions and methods, and discusses future trends in these field

Survey of Inter-satellite Communication for Small Satellite Systems: Physical Layer to Network Layer View

Small satellite systems enable whole new class of missions for navigation, communications, remote sensing and scientific research for both civilian and military purposes. As individual spacecraft are limited by the size, mass and power constraints, mass-produced small satellites in large constellations or clusters could be useful in many science missions such as gravity mapping, tracking of forest fires, finding water resources, etc. Constellation of satellites provide improved spatial and temporal resolution of the target. Small satellite constellations contribute innovative applications by replacing a single asset with several very capable spacecraft which opens the door to new applications. With increasing levels of autonomy, there will be a need for remote communication networks to enable communication between spacecraft. These space based networks will need to configure and maintain dynamic routes, manage intermediate nodes, and reconfigure themselves to achieve mission objectives. Hence, inter-satellite communication is a key aspect when satellites fly in formation. In this paper, we present the various researches being conducted in the small satellite community for implementing inter-satellite communications based on the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. This paper also reviews the various design parameters applicable to the first three layers of the OSI model, i.e., physical, data link and network layer. Based on the survey, we also present a comprehensive list of design parameters useful for achieving inter-satellite communications for multiple small satellite missions. Specific topics include proposed solutions for some of the challenges faced by small satellite systems, enabling operations using a network of small satellites, and some examples of small satellite missions involving formation flying aspects.Comment: 51 pages, 21 Figures, 11 Tables, accepted in IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorial

Robotic Wireless Sensor Networks

In this chapter, we present a literature survey of an emerging, cutting-edge, and multi-disciplinary field of research at the intersection of Robotics and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) which we refer to as Robotic Wireless Sensor Networks (RWSN). We define a RWSN as an autonomous networked multi-robot system that aims to achieve certain sensing goals while meeting and maintaining certain communication performance requirements, through cooperative control, learning and adaptation. While both of the component areas, i.e., Robotics and WSN, are very well-known and well-explored, there exist a whole set of new opportunities and research directions at the intersection of these two fields which are relatively or even completely unexplored. One such example would be the use of a set of robotic routers to set up a temporary communication path between a sender and a receiver that uses the controlled mobility to the advantage of packet routing. We find that there exist only a limited number of articles to be directly categorized as RWSN related works whereas there exist a range of articles in the robotics and the WSN literature that are also relevant to this new field of research. To connect the dots, we first identify the core problems and research trends related to RWSN such as connectivity, localization, routing, and robust flow of information. Next, we classify the existing research on RWSN as well as the relevant state-of-the-arts from robotics and WSN community according to the problems and trends identified in the first step. Lastly, we analyze what is missing in the existing literature, and identify topics that require more research attention in the future

Novel Medium Access Control (MAC) Protocols for Wireless Sensor and Ad Hoc Networks (WSANs) and Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs)

Efficient medium access control (MAC) is a key part of any wireless network communication architecture. MAC protocols are needed for nodes to access the shared wireless medium efficiently. Providing high throughput is one of the primary goals of the MAC protocols designed for wireless networks. MAC protocols for Wireless Sensor and Ad hoc networks (WSANs) must also conserve energy as sensor nodes have limited battery power. On the other hand, MAC protocols for Vehicular Ad hoc networks (VANETs) must also adapt to the highly dynamic nature of the network. As communication link failure is very common in VANETs because of the fast movement of vehicles so quick reservation of packet transmission slots by vehicles is important. In this thesis we propose two new distributed MAC algorithms. One is for WSANs and the other one is for VANETs. We demonstrate using simulations that our algorithms outperform the state-of-the-art algorithms