Communicating Embedded Systems: Networks Applications

Chapter 8

Relevance of the DTN Architecture to Mobile Ad Hoc Networks ¹

8.1. Introduction

The technology of distribution-tolerant networks (DTNs) emerged recently as an approach that allows communication to be ensured in difficult environments, which have different characteristics from those of conventional wired networks. In a DTN, messages are not simply routed or scattered through the network; a message can be stored temporarily on certain hosts, to be retransmitted later when the circumstances of the network permit. A DTN also allows interconnection between different regions with different telecommunications infrastructures.

DTNs were defined to meet certain requirements relating to communications in critical environments called challenged networks where loss rates are high and connections intermittent, etc.

In this chapter we will present, the characteristics of mobile ad hoc networks, and the specifics of DTN networks, showing the contribution that this architecture could make to this type of network.

8.2. Mobile ad hoc networks

8.2.1. Definition

Today the most widely used wireless networks rely on fixed infrastructure: sites hosting base stations for cellular networks or cables in the case of wired infrastructure. Connectivity between the different elements in the network is organized and centralized.

As for ad hoc networks, these are wireless networks formed by devices called nodes that communicate among themselves without requiring any infrastructure and without these ...