Signed: ___________________________

Abstract

Computer Science A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) involves computers, typically wireless mobile nodes (MNs), that cooperatively form a network without specific user administration or configuration, allowing an arbitrary collection of MNs to create a network on demand. Broadcasting, the process in which one MN sends a packet to all the other nodes in the network, functions as a foundation of MANET communication. A number of unicast, multicast, and geocast protocols utilize broadcasting as a building block, providing important control and route establishment functionality. Therefore, any improvements to the process of broadcasting can be immediately realized by several MANET applications. Several efficient broadcast protocols have been proposed, but previous research based on simulation discovered that no single protocol for broadcasting works well in all possible network conditions in a MANET. Furthermore, each of the protocols fails catastrophically when the severity of the network environment is increased. Two new broadcast protocols have been developed and presented in this thesis. The proposed protocols are based on a new approach in which rebroadcasting a packet is decided through an intelligent classification scheme. Each MN builds a classifier and trains it on data collected from the network environment. For an input vector describing a broadcast packet and current network conditions, the classifier returns a class label of “Rebroadcast ” or “Drop”. Because each MN can adapt to changing network conditions, the result is a more robust communication protocol and more efficient use of network resources. i