Hybrid wireless network combining ad-hoc network and infrastructure network increases the throughput capacity of wireless networks. In spite of the tremendous technological advances in hybrid networks over the last few years, few routing protocols have been provided particularly to fully exploit the dual-faceted nature of hybrid networks. For reliable routing, routing schemes depend on reputation system to choose trustworthy relay nodes. However, most traditional reputation systems are not sufficiently effective and efficient. This project is devoted to the research of highly efficient and reliable routing to increase the capacity of hybrid wireless networks by synergistically leveraging the dual-faceted nature of ad-hoc and infrastructure networks. The project has four components: (1) Distributed three-hop routing mechanism (DTR). DTR avoids the fundamental problems in the previous routing approaches; (2) Integrated global reputation and account management system (GRAM). GRAM relies on a hierarchical structure for efficient global reputation information collection and query; (3) Locality-aware P2P-based infrastructure (LP2P). LP2P is innovatively constructed and integrated into the hybrid network for efficient operation of DTR and GRAM; (4) Theoretical framework and analysis. A theoretical framework will be established to investigate the impact of different factors on the proposed mechanisms, and on the network capacity and performance. Understanding and insight gained as a result of this project will be disseminated through technology transfer to industry partners, in addition to publication and software release channels. The multi-disciplinary nature of this research also lends itself to cross-disciplinary education and well-rounded training of students.
Wireless networks are playing an increasingly important role in areas such as commerce, emergency services, military, education and entertainment, for which efficient and reliable node communication is crucial for their success. However, few routing protocols have been provided particularly to fully exploit the dual-faceted nature (ad-hoc network and infrastructure network) of hybrid networks. Intellectual Merits: This project is devoted to the research of highly efficient and reliable routing to increase the capacity of hybrid wireless networks by synergistically leveraging the dual-faceted nature of ad-hoc and infrastructure networks. In this project, we have investigated, developed and implemented a set of innovative mechanisms in the following: (1) Distributed three-hop routing mechanism (DTR). (2) Integrated global reputation and account management system (GRAM). (4) Theoretical framework and analysis. Broader Impacts: This project provided critical insight into node communication in hybrid networks and has produced many top conference and journal papers. The results stemming from this work can serve as catalyst for the future work of researchers in the wireless and pervasive computing domains. The outcome of this project will serve the wireless community as a vehicle to conduct further research and experiments, and will contribute to the evolution of next-generation wireless networks. The research produces collaborative research opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students and faculty. Several REU students including underrepresented students were involved in this project. The project was showcased in course of ECE 893: P2P, Wireless and Cloud Computing taught by the PI.
