Adhoc Networks

Dr. Nitika Vats Doohan

 Unit 1

Introduction to Ad hoc networks, Definition, characteristics

features, applications, characteristics of wireless channel,
architecture of Ad hoc network.
 Adhoc 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.

• 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.
When should you use an ad hoc wireless network?

Example shows popular uses for

an ad hoc wireless network:---
Connecting multiple wireless
endpoints to the internet using
an ad hoc intermediary device.
Note that the intermediary
device consists of a PC or laptop
with a wired connection to the
internet and a second wireless
chip/antenna to connect other
ad hoc wireless-capable devices
to it for the purpose of sharing
internet access.
• Deciding when to employ ad hoc versus infrastructure mode depends on the use. A
user who wants a wireless router to act as a permanent access point should choose
infrastructure mode. But ad hoc mode might be a good option for a user setting up a
temporary wireless network between a small number of devices.

• For example, if a user has two laptops and is in a hotel room without Wi-Fi, they can
be connected directly in ad hoc mode to create a temporary Wi-Fi network without a
router. The Wi-Fi Direct standard -- a specification that allows devices certified for Wi-
Fi Direct to exchange data without an internet connection or a wireless router -- also
builds on ad hoc mode and enables devices to communicate directly over Wi-Fi
signals.
 Wireless Network

1) Infrastructure Network: These networks have some infrastructure that helps

establish the wireless network. The best example to understand this network is cell
phone networks. We have mobile towers that work as infrastructure and help
establish the network.
Now we have two categories to consider in this type of network:
a) Single Hop Infrastructure Network: In this category, the sender directly
communicates with the receiver without any other node being involved. For
example, Wifi, we need a router to establish the connection. Using the router, every
device can establish the network directly with the wi-fi without involving any other
device or node.
b) Multi-Hop Infrastructure Network: In this, the communication happens via
intermediate nodes. Multiple nodes help communicate between two endpoints, for
example, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication). Using the chip, we send
the data to various nodes to pass the data to the destination.
2) Infrastructure-Less Network: These networks do not have any infrastructure to
support establishing the network.
They are also two types:
a)Single Hop Infrastructure-less Network: Communication between the sender and
receiver happens without any intermediate node.
Example through which we can understand this type of network is blue-tooth. We
never require any specific equipment or infrastructure to establish a blue-tooth
connection. We turn on the bluetooth feature, pair the devices and then
communicate.
b) Multi-Hop Infrastructure-less Network: we have multiple nodes that help
communicate between two devices or nodes without involving infrastructure.
The ad hoc network comes in this category.
 How is a WLAN created?
A WLAN can be configured in one of two ways:
1) Infrastructure---A home or office Wi-Fi network is an
example of a WLAN set up in infrastructure mode. The
endpoints are all connected and communicate with each other
through a base station, which may also provide internet access.
A basic infrastructure WLAN can be set up with just a
few parts: a wireless router, which acts as the base station, and
endpoints, which can be computers, mobile devices, printers,
and other devices. In most cases, the wireless router is also the
internet connection.
2) Ad hoc -- In this setup, a WLAN connects endpoints such as
computer workstations and mobile devices without the use of
a base station. Use of Wi-Fi Direct technology is common for an
ad hoc wireless network. An ad hoc WLAN is easy to set up and
can provide basic peer-to-peer (P2P) communication.
An ad hoc WLAN requires only two or more endpoints
with built-in radio transmission, such as computers or mobile
devices. After adjusting network settings for ad hoc mode, one
user initiates the network and becomes visible to the others.
WLAN architecture
• Stations - Stations are components that connect wirelessly to networks. They are either
access points or endpoints, each identified with a unique network address.
• Basic Service Set (BSS) - A BSS is a group of stations that connects to the network. In ad hoc
networks, the group of stations is called an Independent BSS (IBSS). A set of connected
BSSs, as in a network with multiple access points, is called an Extended Service Set (ESS).
• Distribution system - The distribution system connects access points in an ESS. The
connections can be wired or wireless. A wireless distribution system (WDS) can use mesh
or its own WDS protocol. Fixed wireless is a specialized form of radio transmission for
connecting a geographically distant access point.
• Access point - The access point is the base station that serves as a hub to which other
stations connect. The "access" is that of the stations to the network, but it may also mean
internet access, since many routers double as internet modems. In an ESS, access points
may be connected with Ethernet cables or wirelessly.
• Bridge - The bridge is used to connect a WLAN to a LAN or to an access point.
• Endpoint - The endpoint is any end-user station, such as a computer, mobile device,
printer, or Internet of Things (IoT) device.
 Benefits of a WLAN
• Extended reach - WLANs enable computing to happen
anywhere, even when carrying high data loads and Note:---
advanced web applications.
The terms WLAN and Wi-Fi
• Device flexibility - A WLAN supports use of a wide range of
devices, such as computers, phones, tablets, gaming are often linked and used
systems, and IoT devices. interchangeably, but problems
arise with that habit.
• Easier installation and management - A WLAN requires less
physical equipment than a wired network, which saves
money, reduces installation time, and takes up less of a A WLAN can be built on
footprint in office settings. various wireless technologies,
including Wi-Fi, cellular and
• Scalability - A WLAN is easy to scale. Adding users is as
simple as assigning login credentials. Bluetooth, for example.
• Network management - Nearly all management of a WLAN
can be handled virtually. A single software interface can
provide visibility, manage users, monitor network health,
and collect data.
 Characteristics of the Ad Hoc
1) Dynamic Topologies: Devices in the ad hoc network are capable of changing the
topology anytime. By default, they use multi-hop topology.
2) Less Reliability: Wireless networks are less reliable than wired networks. They
are also less stable and less efficient.
3) Autonomous Behaviour: In ad hoc networks, we do not have specific nodes that
work as hosts or routers. Any node can act like a host or router, depending on
the situation.
4) Less Security: Wireless networks are less secure because there is no firewall
present.
5) Less Human Intervention: Ad hoc networks configure themselves, so there is a
significantly less human intervention to configure the network.
Types of Ad Hoc Network

1. Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET)

• A MANET transforms mobile devices into distinct components of a network,
removing the need for a centralized AP. It means that some of the devices are turned
into routers as needed to facilitate continuous communication. Military personnel
and emergency responders commonly use a MANET.

2. Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET)

• A VANET uses MANET nodes to enable communication between intelligent transport
systems (ITSs), such as smart city buses and autonomous vehicles and industrial
fleets. The implementation of VANET systems allows fleet managers and transport
authorities to improve driver and pedestrian safety as well as regulate traffic flow
and congestion.
3. Smartphone Ad Hoc Network (SPAN)
A SPAN is a project and proof of concept (PoC) that some security companies are currently
testing. These companies see SPAN as an answer to cellular network latency and
downtime due to calamities. A SPAN leverages the Wi-Fi chip in a mobile device by
switching it to ad hoc mode, allowing devices to act as bridges to others. A SPAN only
works with Android phones, but developments may be underway to include other mobile
operating systems (OSs).
4. Wireless Mesh Network (WMN)
A WMN is a class of ad hoc networks based on a mesh topology (i.e., layout). In this type
of network, all nodes can communicate directly with each other without following a given
order or hierarchy. Data moves through various nodes or devices. There is also no single
access point in a WMN. Cellphones, computers, hubs, and radios can serve as WMN
nodes.
5. Wireless sensor network (WSN)
This topology mainly facilitates relaying sensor data from the physical environment to a
central location. The sensors collect data on physical, environmental, or related conditions
and distribute them spatially. Afterward, they transmit the data to a central system. This
greatly helps us measure critical environmental factors like temperature, sound, pollution,
etc.
 Applications of Ad Hoc Networks

Ad hoc networks serve various purposes, including:

• Gives military units access to all soldiers, vehicles, and headquarters

• Allows users to create personal area networks (PANs) or short-range local
networks that connects several nodes
• Provides emergency responders to send signals during crises
• Useful in monitoring patients
• Helps check for weather conditions, forest fires, tsunamis, and other natural or
man-made disasters
 Advantages of a WANET
1. Easier to set up than infrastructure mode when just connecting two devices
without requiring a centralized access point.
2. Ad hoc networks are easy to configure and offer an effective way to communicate
with devices nearby when time is of the essence and running cabling is not
feasible.
3. Ad hoc networks are often secured to protect against attacks, as their temporary,
often impromptu qualities can make them vulnerable to security threats.
4. An ad hoc network linking a small number of devices might be a more practical
choice compared to a traditional infrastructure-based network that can connect
many more devices.
5. Because ad hoc networks do not require infrastructure hardware such as access
points or wireless routers, these networks provide a low-cost way of direct client-
to-client communication.
Disadvantages of ad hoc networks
1. Wireless ad hoc networking is that some Wi-Fi-enabled technology, including certain
Android devices, wireless printers and custom IoT sensors, don't support ad hoc mode
because of its limitations and will only connect to networks in infrastructure mode by
default. In some cases, third-party software can be installed on endpoint devices to
enable ad hoc communications.
2. Infrastructure mode is a better option than ad hoc mode for setting up a larger and
more permanent network that can support far more endpoints.
3. Ad hoc networks often suffer from poor wireless communication range issues, as
antennas built into endpoints were not designed to be as powerful as purpose-built
WAPs.
4. Not Scale Well--As the number of devices in an ad hoc network increases, it becomes
harder to manage because there is not a central device through which all traffic flows.
• Devices in an ad hoc network cannot disable SSID broadcasting like devices in
infrastructure mode can. As a result, attackers can find and connect to an ad hoc
device if they are within signal range.
• Security options are limited due to a lack of network infrastructure services, such
as access to a RADIUS (remote authentication dial-in user service) server for
authentication purposes.
• Wireless ad hoc networks cannot bridge wired LANs or to the internet without
installing a special-purpose network gateway.
Setting Up an Ad Hoc Network

Ad hoc networks are created between two or more wireless PCs

together, without the use of a wireless router or an access point.
The computers communicate directly with each other.
Ad hoc networks can be very helpful during meetings or in any location
where a network doesn’t exist and where people need to share files.
An ad hoc network can also be useful in situations where only one PC
has Internet access and that access needs to be shared.
Classifications of Ad Hoc Networks
Adhoc network
Ad Hoc network is made up of a group of wireless
communication and connecting network module,
without any fundamental establishment. When
the cable network can not work in order, like on
the battlefield and in the task of emergency relief,
Ad Hoc network offers a feasible technology of
communication and information storage. When
two mobile terminals are in each other’s covering
range, they can communicate directly in Ad Hoc
network. But the communication coverage of
mobile terminal is limited. The two hosts which
are far away from each other can be linked by
other nodes’ forwarding.
In Ad Hoc network, the moving node changes the topology of network. Routing in
ad hoc wireless networks has to cope with specifics such as limited bandwidth,
high error rates, dynamic topology, resource poor devices, power constraints and
hidden and exposed terminal problems. It is the essential part for Ad Hoc network
that how to choose the routes to destination accurately and quickly. The typical
routing algorithms are as follows.
DSDV (Destination-Sequenced Distance-Vector) is a Table driven routing protocol
based on the classical Bellman-Ford routing algorithm. by improving freedom from
loops in routing tables by using sequence numbers.
DSR (Dynamic Source Routing) generates routes only when desired. When a packet
needs to be sent to a destination whose route doesn’t exist, a route discovery
process is initiated. If the route has been existed, a route maintenance procedure is
invoked.
AODV (Ad hoc On-demand Distance Vector Routing) is a pure on-demand routing
protocol. It is based on DSDV protocol.
Cellular telecommunication network
Geospatial information service
architecture based on ad hoc network.