Adaptive link-layer intelligence for enhanced ad hoc networking

摘要

Networked radio systems that utilize self-forming, fault tolerant techniques offer needed communication functions for Homeland Security and Law Enforcement agencies. The use of an ad hoc mesh network architecture solves some of the problems inherent to the wireless physical layer such as interferers, multi-path fading, shadowing, and loss of line-of-site. These effects severely limit the performance of current 802.11 wireless network implementations. This paper describes the use of Adaptive Link-layer Intelligence for Enhanced ad hoc Networking. This technology enhances recognition and characterization of sources of wireless channel perturbations and predicts their effects on wireless link quality. Identifying and predicting channel problems at the link level improves dynamic route discovery, circumvents channel disruptions before they cause a link failure, and increases communications reliability and data rate. First Responders, Homeland Security, and Law Enforcement agencies operating in locations lacking infrastructure, such as Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) operations, can benefit from increased communications reliability in highly impaired channels that are typical in disaster response scenarios.