Cognitive radio mixed sensor and Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (SMANET) for dual use applications

In this paper, we investigate the issues of survivability and efficiency in a heterogeneous mobile ad hoc network (MANET) and Sensor network as a combined network where the communications is achieved using a mixed MANET and Sensor Network, referred to as SMANET for supporting mission critical applications. Using the cluster managed SMANET where, heterogeneous nodes with different capabilities and nodes from different organizations deployed within the same geographical area will support variety of multi-service mission critical applications while increasing the network lifetime. In this network, nodes from different organizations collaborate with each other for mission critical data to be delivered using multi-hop radio-sensor-radio type path routing while keeping the tactical operations supported by the battlefield command control structure transparent. While keeping the collaborative encounters, it is important to keep cross-organization data transfer at the lowest possible level for minimal disruption of the traffic within each organization and for security reasons. Assuming that all nodes are equipped with cognitive radio capability maintaining interoperability, we propose a novel routing metric that maximize the benefits from the collaboration of heterogeneous nodes and take the organizational constraints into account. Furthermore, we propose joint design of cognitive radio and multi-carrier modulation to maximize the bandwidth utilization and energy efficiency in SMANET. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method provide much needed survivability and efficiency in battlefield environment while keeping the cross-organization data transfer at the lowest possible level as a value added enhancement compared to homogeneous MANET or sensor networks. Same network design can also find use in civilian environment for supporting applications such as emergency preparedness management and traffic efficiency in congested transportation systems.