1. Cooperative communication for assurable tactical networks

Cooperative communications and networking is one of the emerging technologies that promise significantly higher reliability and spectral efficiency in wireless networks. Unlike conventional point-to-point communications, cooperative communication is a new form of diversity to allow users or nodes to share resources to create collaboration through distributed transmission and processing.

In this research, we address the resource allocation problem in a cooperative network. We developed a mathematical framework for joint flow scheduling and cooperative routing algorithm. Specifically, we developed and analyzed a clique-based proportional fair scheduling with cooperative routing algorithm to maximize the network utility function. We conducted theoretical analysis of scheduling, selective relaying and fair resource allocation in a cooperative multi-hop networks. We also designed an opportunistic and cooperative routing algorithm to maximize the lifetime of a wireless network.  Currently, we are developing mathematical analysis of connectivity of cooperative networks under socially-aware selfish behavior, using stochastic geometry and random graph theory. 

2. Multi-channel multi-radio wireless mesh networks 

Wireless mesh network is a communication network consisting of radio nodes organized in a mesh topology. Unlike a cellular network, nodes within a wireless mesh network can communicate with each other directly or through one or more intermediate nodes.

In this research, we explore the network node’s multi-channel, multi-radio capability to reduce the collision, and intra-flow and inter-flow interference, dramatically improving the network’s capacity and performance. A collaborative research team has developed a wireless research testbed at APL to use the JHU-developed architecture and protocols called SMesh — the first transparent wireless mesh system offering seamless, fast-handoff, real-time applications such as interactive Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This research test bed demonstrates the effectiveness of resource management in a multi-channel, multi-radio wireless mesh network.

 

Technical Point of Contact: Qinqing Zhang, Qinqing.zhang@jhuapl.edu, JHU/APL

Contributors: Lotfi Benmohamed, I-Jeng Wang, Qinqing Zhang, JHU/APL

External Collaborators and Organizations:

Yair Amir, Raluca Musaloiu-Elefteri, Nilo Rivera, Computer Science Department, Johns Hopkins University, MD, USA

Kin K. Leung, Erwu Liu, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom

 

Wireless Mobile Ad-Hoc and Mesh Networks