Ad hoc networking is a relatively new telecommunications research area that, in effect, allows the creation of telecommunication networks in an un-planned fashion. Such networks aim to provide services over a network that: is created by the ad hoc placement of networking devices consists of unreliable (due to power supply or movement) network devices, and may consist of mobile network devices. Much of the existing research in the area aims to make these networks more reliable and cope with movement or failure of networking equipment automatically. This particular characteristic may make these types of networks particularly suitable for remote desert communities where installation of fixed infrastructure is expensive, maintenance is difficult, and the harsh environmental conditions may cause more frequent equipment failures. Ad hoc networks are designed to be used where no infrastructure exists or to extend the reach of existing infrastructure.
In addition to the ad hoc networking research area there has recently been several significant advances in the capabilities and capacities of digital wireless links which has been driven by the need for broadband wireless access and forth generation mobile Internet access services. These new wireless technologies are also likely to follow the lead of the current generation of digital wireless (802.11) and become cheap due to the large market and mass-production manufacturing techniques.
The Sparse Ad hoc Network for Desert (SAND) intends to use experience in both of these emerging telecommunications areas and apply them to solving telecommunication problems in remote desert communities in Australia where cost effective installation, low maintenance, and fault tolerance are important characteristics of telecommunications equipment.
In this Seminar, Dr Mehran Abolhasan will present an overview of the SAND project, which includes: a description of the objectives and activities in this project, a summary of the achievements thus far and their future plans.
