Ad Hoc Wireless Networks: Analysis, Protocols, Architecture, and Convergence

Ad hoc networks can provide a total traffic carrying capacity that scales as the square root of the number of nodes in the network. The operation of ad hoc networks requires several asynchronous distributed protocols which can adapt to the location and number of nodes in the network, and to the traffic demands. We present three such protocols for problems arising especially in wireless networks-power control (COMPOW), media access (SEEDEX), and routing (STARA). We also comment on some architectural issues important to the next phase of the information technology revolution, the convergence of communication, control, sensing and actuation.