An Integrated Operational Design Methodology and Toolset for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

An innovative methodology for the integrated, systematic and model-based design of mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) is proposed based on a practical operational view of a MANET. It combines practical abstractions and models of the key components of a MANET, multi-criteria optimization for tradeoff analysis, and recent results on the capacity region of a MANET and distributed differential backpressure algorithms for sustaining stable operation of a MANET. Time varying traffic demands, network conditions and topologies are accommodated within the proposed methodology. Dynamic placement algorithms of nodes to improve performance and connectivity, including UAVs, are also proposed. The methodology leads to the development of novel and powerful software environments and toolsets for the design of MANET to meet specifications and provides predictable performance bounds. During Phase I the feasibility of the approach will be demonstrated and an initial implementation of design tools in a MATLAB environment will be completed.