Reliability of capacitated mobile ad hoc networks

Abstract

Ad hoc networking is used for the flexibility it provides. Its dynamic topology allows employment of the mobile ad hoc wireless network (MAWN) without groundwork because no infrastructure is required. However, these distinctive attributes of ad hoc networking do not conform to a key assumption under which most existing network reliability methods are founded; that network connectivity is known a priori. Therefore, ad hoc networking requires new network reliability assessment methods. Based on the unique characteristics of ad hoc networks, previous research has been focused on the development of methods that consider the probabilistic formation of the network topology and how to embed mobility models within a reliability approximation technique. This paper provides further advances in the area of MAWN reliability by removing the previous assumptions that link status is solely determined by node separation distance, resulting in a binary link behaviour. This paper proposes the use of a mathematical model for link capacity combined with a Monte Carlo simulation of the demand upon each link and each node's mobility. This new extension provides the ability to consider additional design parameters and their impact on reliability.