AD HOC

NETWORKS
 What is Ad Hoc Network?

• An ad hoc network is one that is spontaneously formed when devices connect and communicate with
each other. The term ad hoc is a Latin word that literally means "for this," implying improvised or
impromptu.

• Connecting two computers does not always require a centrally managed network. Instead, users can set
up an ad hoc network between two computers. The two devices communicate through an ethernet cable
or wireless cards. However, this connection is only temporary.

• Ad hoc networks are mostly wireless local area networks (LANs). The devices communicate with each
other directly instead of relying on a base station or access points as in wireless LANs for data transfer
co-ordination. Each device participates in routing activity, by determining the route using the routing
algorithm and forwarding data to other devices via this route.
 Classifications of Ad Hoc Networks

Mobile Ad Hoc Vehicular Ad Hoc Wireless Mesh Smart Phone Ad Hoc Wireless Sensor
Networks (MANETs) Networks (VANETs) Networks Networks (SPANs) Networks (WSNs)
• This is a self- • This is a network • The devices connected to • These are peer-to-peer • Sensors are portable
configuring, self- formed by these network forms a networks created by devices that capture
organizing, wireless communication between wireless mesh, depending smartphones within the specific information from
network of mobile moving vehicles and upon the mobility patterns, range of each other environment like
devices. other roadside devices. nature of devices and inter- without requiring any temperature, humidity,
devices distance. cellular carrier networks, traffic volume etc. WSNs
wireless access points form ad hoc networks to
etc. capture information on
the fly.
 How does an Ad Hoc Network work?

• Let's imagine that Adam has to send a file to his buddy Eve, but he is unable to do so since he lacks
access to a secure Wi-Fi connection. Instead, he can construct an ad hoc network.
• An ad hoc network is a temporary type of Local Area Network (LAN). If you set up an ad hoc network
permanently, it becomes a LAN. An ad hoc network may accommodate multiple users at once,
although performance may suffer.
• As long as the hosting device has internet connectivity, users can also use an ad hoc network to connect
to the internet. This could be helpful if numerous individuals need to access the internet but there is
only a limited amount of internet connectivity in a certain location.
• Several devices can share the host device's internet connectivity through an ad hoc network. Jobs that
handle this kind of network are often well-paid by employers, especially in professions that require a
lot of travel.
• As long as it's within 100 meters, Adam and Eve's computers can wirelessly build an ad hoc network
(about 328 feet). He can then send files to Eve's laptop from there.
• No matter how many devices are connected to the ad hoc network at once, since Adam's computer is
the hosting device, the connection between the two devices will stop when Adam ends the session.
 References:

• https://www.tutorialspoint.com/what-is-ad-hoc-network
• https://www.comptia.org/content/guides/what-is-an-ad-hoc-network