A timed calculus for wireless systems

We propose a timed broadcasting process calculus for wireless systems where time-consuming communications are exposed to collisions. The operational semantics of our calculus is given in terms of a labelled transition system. The calculus enjoys a number of desirable time properties such as (i) time determinism: the passage of time is deterministic; (ii) patience: devices will wait indefinitely until they can communicate; (iii) maximal progress: data transmissions cannot be delayed, they must occur as soon as a possibility for communication arises. We use our calculus to model and study MAC-layer protocols with a special emphasis on collisions and security. The main behavioural equality of our calculus is a timed variant of barbed congruence, a standard branching-time and contextually-defined program equivalence. As an efficient proof method for timed barbed congruence we define a labelled bisimilarity. We then apply our bisimulation proof-technique to prove a number of algebraic laws.     

Finite-valued Semantics for Canonical Labelled Calculi

We define a general family of canonical labelled calculi, of which many previously studied sequent and labelled calculi are particular instances. We then provide a uniform and modular method to obtain finite-valued semantics for every canonical labelled calculus by introducing the notion of partial non-deterministic matrices. The semantics is applied to provide simple decidable semantic criteria for two crucial syntactic properties of these calculi: (strong) analyticity and cut-admissibility. Finally, we demonstrate an application of this framework for a large family of paraconsistent logics.     

Towards estimating lifetime of ad hoc wireless networks

Ad hoc wireless networks possess highly constrained energy resources. The available energy resources should thus be used efficiently, in order to satisfy the requirements. Hence, the protocols at all the layers of the protocol stack should be energy aware and energy efficient. However, all the existing protocols are not energy aware and perform poorly in the presence of a limited power source. Even the energy aware protocols proposed for ad hoc networks do not consider all the characteristics of the underlying batteries. Hence, they fail to efficiently utilize the available energy. There also exist a few protocols, which, though battery unaware, unknowingly prove to be energy efficient. Thus, a mechanism is required to measure the efficiency of the protocols of ad hoc networks, in terms of the network lifetime. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no reported work till date for analyzing the lifetime of the ad hoc networks for various protocols.The protocols at all the layers of the protocol stack together decide the discharge of the battery source of a node. However, assuming that only the MAC protocols decide the battery performance, we focus on measuring the energy efficiency of MAC protocols. This paper primarily provides a novel generalized analytical model for estimating lifetime of ad hoc networks, in the presence of the following two kinds of MAC protocols: (i) reservation-based TDMA protocols and (ii) a specific class of CSMA protocols that try to follow a pattern, such as a round-robin scheduling, for packet transmission. Our model uses discrete-time Markov chain with probabilistic recovery to model the batteries of the ad hoc nodes. We found that our analytical model accurately estimates the lifetime of the network for various MAC protocols. We prove through analytical and simulation studies that energy awareness is crucial in deciding the performance of the MAC protocols for both homogeneous and heterogeneous ad hoc wireless networks.     

Verification of mobile ad hoc networks: An algebraic approach

We introduced Computed Network Process Theory to reason about protocols for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). Here we explore the applicability of our framework in two regards: model checking and equational reasoning. The operational semantics of our framework is based on constrained labeled transition systems (CLTSs), in which each transition label is parameterized with the set of topologies for which this transition is enabled. We illustrate how through model checking on CLTSs one can analyze mobility scenarios of MANET protocols. Furthermore, we show how by equational theory one can reason about MANETs consisting of a finite but unbounded set of nodes, in which all nodes deploy the same protocol. Model checking and equational reasoning together provide us with an appropriate framework to prove the correctness of MANETs. We demonstrate the applicability of our framework by a case study on a simple routing protocol.     

Tagged Systems: A Framework for the Specification of History-dependent Properties

We propose a general method for the treatment of history-dependent runtime errors. When one has to control this kind of errors, a tagged version of the language is usually defined, in which tags capture only the necessary information of the history of processes. We will characterize such tagged languages as being quotients of the reachability tree defined by the computations of the original language. From this fact we can conclude that the property characterized by each tagged language is indeed a property of the original one. In this way, we can work in a common framework, instead of defining an ad hoc semantics for each property. In particular, we could still use the analysis machinery existing in the calculus in order to prove that or other related properties. We have applied this methodology to the study of resource access control in a distributed π-calculus, called Dπ. In particular, we have proved that the tagged version of Dπ is indeed a tagging according to our definition.     

What is a free name in a process algebra?

There are two popular approaches to specifying the semantics of process algebras: labelled transition semantics and reaction semantics. While the notion of free name is rather unproblematic for labelled transition semantics this is not so for reaction semantics in the presence of a structural congruence for unfolding recursive declarations.We show that the standard definition of free name is not preserved under the structural congruence. We then develop a fixed point approach to the set of free names and show that it is invariant under the structural congruence.     

Minimum disruption service composition and recovery in mobile ad hoc networks

The dynamic nature of mobile ad hoc networks poses fundamental challenges to the design of service composition schemes that can satisfy the end-to-end quality of service requirements and minimize the effect of service disruptions caused by dynamic link and node failures. Although existing research on mobile ad hoc networks has focused on improving reliability, little existing work has considered service deliveries spanning multiple components. Moreover, service composition strategies proposed for wireline networks (such as the Internet) are poorly suited for highly dynamic wireless ad hoc networks.This paper proposes a new service composition and recovery framework designed to achieve minimum service disruptions for mobile ad hoc networks. The framework consists of two tiers: service routing, which selects the service components that support the service path, and network routing, which finds the optimal network path that connects these service components. Our framework is based on the disruption index, which is a novel concept that characterizes different service disruption aspects, such as frequency and duration, that are not captured adequately by conventional metrics, such as reliability and availability.Using the definition of disruption index, we formulate the problem of minimum-disruption service composition and recovery (MDSCR) as a dynamic programming problem and analyze the properties of its optimal solution for ad hoc networks with known mobility plan. Based on the derived analytical insights, we present our MDSCR heuristic algorithm for ad hoc networks with uncertain node mobility. This heuristic algorithm approximates the optimal solution with one-step lookahead prediction, where service link lifetime is predicted based on node location and velocity using linear regression. We use simulations to evaluate the results of our algorithm in various network environments. The results validate that our algorithm can achieve better performance than conventional methods.     

Clustering wireless ad hoc networks with weakly connected dominating set

The increasing popular personal communications and mobile computing require a wireless network infrastructure that supports self-configuration and self-management. Efficient clustering protocol for constructing virtual backbone is becoming one of the most important issues in wireless ad hoc networks. The weakly connected dominating set   (WCDS) is very suitable for cluster formation. As finding the minimum WCDS in an arbitrary graph is a NP-Hard problem, we propose an area-based distributed algorithm for WCDS construction in wireless ad hoc networks with time and message complexity O(n)$O(n)$. This Area algorithm is divided into three phases: area partition, WCDS construction for each area and adjustment along the area borders. We confirm the effectiveness of our algorithm through analysis and comprehensive simulation study. The number of nodes in the WCDS constructed by this Area algorithm is up to around 50% less than that constructed by the previous well-known algorithm.     

An efficient bow-based on-demand QoS routing protocol for MIMO ad hoc networks

The multiple inputs multiple output (MIMO) architecture supports smart antennas and MIMO links is now a popular technique for exploiting the multi-path, spatial multiplexing, and diversity gain to provide high spectral efficiencies and performance improvement in wireless ad hoc networks. In this work, we propose a new multi-path on demand quality-of-service (QoS) routing architecture, looked like a bow and called as bow structure, in MIMO ad hoc networks. A bow-based MIMO ad hoc networks routing protocol, named as BowQR, is also proposed to support QoS requirement and to improve the transmission efficiency. Each bow structure is composed of rate-links and/or range-links on demand to provide multi-path routing and satisfy the bandwidth requirement. Two types of transmission links, the rate-link and range-link, exploit the spatial multiplexing and spatial diversity to provide extremely high spectral efficiencies and increase the transmission range. Finally, the simulation results show that our BowQR protocol achieves the performance improvements in throughput, success rate, and average latency.     

A Class of Algorithms for Collision Resolution with Multiplicity Estimation

The wireless connectivity in pervasive computing has ephemeral character and can be used for creating ad hoc networks, sensor networks, connection with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags etc. The communication tasks in such wireless networks often involve an inquiry over a shared channel, which can be invoked for: discovery of neighboring devices in ad hoc networks, counting the number of RFID tags that have a certain property, estimating the mean value contained in a group of sensors etc. Such an inquiry solicits replies from possibly large number of terminals n. This necessitates the usage of algorithms for resolving batch collisions (conflicts) with unknown conflict multiplicity n. In this paper we present a novel approach to the problem of collision resolution for batch conflicts. We show how the conventional tree algorithms for collision resolution can be used to obtain progressively accurate estimation of the multiplicity. We use the estimation to propose a more efficient binary tree algorithm, termed Estimating Binary Tree (EBT) algorithm. The EBT algorithm is suited for implementation when the conflicting nodes are passive, such as e.g. RFID tags. We extend the approach to design the Interval Estimation Conflict Resolution (IECR) algorithm. For n→∞ we prove that the efficiency achieved by IECR for batch arrivals is identical with the efficiency that Gallager’s FCFS algorithm achieves for Poisson packet arrivals. For finite n, the simulation results show that IECR is, to the best of our knowledge, the most efficient batch resolution algorithm reported to date.     

On the observational theory of the CPS-calculus

We apply powerful proof-techniques of concurrency theory to study the observational theory of Thielecke’s CPS-calculus, a distillation of the target language of Continuation-Passing Style transforms. We define a labelled transition system from which we derive a (weak) labelled bisimilarity that completely characterises Morris’ context-equivalence. We prove a context lemma showing that Morris’ context-equivalence coincides with a simpler context-equivalence closed under a smaller class of contexts. Then we profit of the determinism of the CPS-calculus to give a simpler labelled characterisation of Morris’ equivalence, in the style of Abramsky’s applicative bisimilarity. We enhance our bisimulation proof-methods with up to bisimilarity and up to context proof techniques. We use our bisimulation proof techniques to investigate a few algebraic properties on diverging terms that cannot be proved using the original axiomatic semantics of the CPS-calculus.     

Toward secure and scalable time synchronization in ad hoc networks

Time synchronization is crucial in ad hoc networks. Due to the infrastructure-less and dynamic nature, time synchronization in such environments is vulnerable to various attacks. Moreover, time synchronization protocols such as IEEE 802.11 TSF (Timing Synchronization Function) often suffer from scalability problem.In this paper, we address the security and the scalability problems of time synchronization protocols in ad hoc networks. We propose a novel suite of time synchronization mechanisms for ad hoc networks based on symmetric cryptography. For single-hop ad hoc networks, we propose SSTSP, a scalable and secure time synchronization procedure based on one-way Hash chain, a lightweight mechanism to ensure the authenticity and the integrity of synchronization beacons. The “clock drift check” is proposed to counter replay/delay attacks. We then extend our efforts to the multi-hop case. We propose MSTSP, a secure and scalable time synchronization mechanism based on SSTSP for multi-hop ad hoc networks. In MSTSP, the multi-hop network is automatically divided into single-hop clusters. The secure intra-cluster synchronization is achieved by SSTSP and the secure inter-cluster synchronization is achieved by exchanging synchronization beacons among cluster reference nodes via bridge nodes.The proposed synchronization mechanisms are fully distributed without a global synchronization leader. We further perform analytical studies and simulations on the proposed approaches. The results show that SSTSP can synchronize single-hop networks with the maximum synchronization error under 20 μs and MSTSP 55–85 μs for multi-hop networks, which are, to the best of our knowledge, among the best results of currently proposed solutions for single-hop and multi-hop ad hoc networks. Meanwhile, our approaches can maintain the network synchronized even in hostile environments.     

Opportunistic resource utilization networks—A new paradigm for specialized ad hoc networks

We present opportunistic resource utilization networks or oppnets, a novel paradigm of specialized ad hoc networks. We believe that applications can benefit from using specialized ad hoc networks that provide a natural basis for them, the basis more efficient and effective than what general-purpose ad hoc networks can offer. Oppnets constitute the subcategory of ad hoc networks where diverse systems, not employed originally as nodes of an oppnet, join it dynamically in order to perform certain tasks they have been called to participate in. Oppnets have a significant potential to improve a variety of applications, and to create new application niches. We categorize opportunistic networks currently known in the literature as class 1opportunistic networks that use opportunistically only communication resources, and class 2opportunistic networks or oppnets that use opportunistically all kinds of resources, including not only communication but also computation, sensing, actuation, storage, etc. After describing the oppnets and the basics of their operation, we discuss the Oppnet Virtual Machine (OVM)—a proposed standard implementation framework for oppnet applications. It is followed by a discussion of an example application scenario using the OVM primitives. Next, we discuss the design and operations of a small-scale oppnet, named MicroOppnet, originally developed as a proof of concept. MicroOppnet is now being extended to serve as a testbed for experimentation and pilot implementations of oppnet architectures and their components. We conclude with a summary and a list of some open issues for oppnets.     

A token based distributed algorithm for supporting mutual exclusion in opportunistic networks

Opportunistic networks are essentially distributed networks with transient connectivity among nodes. Nodes in opportunistic networks are resource constrained, mobile and opportunistically come in contact with each other. In such a distributed network, nodes may require exclusive access to a shared object or resource. Ensuring freedom from starvation is a challenging problem in opportunistic networks due to limited pairwise connectivity and node failures. In this paper, we review mutual exclusion algorithms proposed for generic mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) and discuss their applicability to opportunistic networks. Further, we propose a novel token based algorithm¹ and prove its correctness. Simulation results show that our algorithm is communication efficient as compared to other algorithms proposed for generic mobile ad hoc networks. We also propose a timeout based fault detection algorithm that exploits the intercontact time distributions.     

F-Ant: an effective routing protocol for ant colony optimization based on fuzzy logic in vehicular ad hoc networks

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are a subset of mobile ad hoc networks that provide communication services between nearby vehicles and also between vehicles and roadside infrastructure. These networks improve road safety and accident prevention and provide entertainment for passengers of vehicles. Due to the characteristics of VANET such as self-organization, dynamic nature and fast-moving vehicles, routing in this network is a considerable challenge. Swarm intelligence algorithms (nature-inspired) such as ant colony optimization (ACO) have been proposed for developing routing protocols in VANETs. In this paper, we propose an enhanced framework for ACO protocol based on fuzzy logic for VANETs. To indicate the effectiveness and performance of our proposed protocol, the network simulator NS-2 is used for simulation. The simulation results demonstrate that our proposed protocol achieves high data packet delivery ratio and low end-to-end delay compared to traditional routing algorithms such as ACO and ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV).

     

Flooding in wireless ad hoc networks

In an ad hoc network, each host assumes the role of a router and relays packets toward final destinations. This paper studies efficient routing mechanisms for packet flooding in ad hoc wireless networks. Because a packet is broadcast to all neighboring nodes, the optimality criteria of wireless network routing are different from that of the wired network routing. We show that the minimum cost flooding tree problem is similar to MCDS (Minimum Connected Dominating Set) problem and prove the NP-completeness of the minimum cost flooding tree problem. Then, we propose two flooding methods: self-pruning and dominant pruning. Both methods utilize the neighbor information to reduce redundant transmissions. Performance analysis shows that both methods perform significantly better than the blind flooding. Especially, dominant pruning performs close to the practically achievable best performance limit.     

异构无线网络中的Ad Hoc路由及QoS分析

首先分析了纯Ad Hoc网络环境下具有QoS保证的几种典型路由协议,然后阐述了异构无线网络的体系架构以及异构网络环境下的Ad Hoc路由,包括基于节点位置信息的路由分级路由、提高网络容量的多跳中继路由、实现网络负载均衡的路由,以及跨层路由协议。最后,总结了在异构网络环境下提出的基于Ad Hoc网络多跳中继路由的负载均衡策略的研究工作,分析了仿真结果。