Research Project Title
Design and Evaluation of Hybrid Wireless Networks

Principal Investigators
Nitin H. Vaidya

Unit # 20
Project Overview

This project investigates the use of ad hoc connectivity as a “range extension” mechanism for the infrastructure. Coverage of an infrastructure network is limited by the transmission range of the base stations. For instance, coverage of an in-building IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN [802.11] is limited to approximately 300 meters from the base stations. By augmenting an infrastructure with ad hoc connectivity, a “hybrid network” may be formed to provide a greater “range” without the expense of deploying additional base stations. The focus of this project is on design and evaluation of hybrid wireless networks. This project will develop new protocols, and also adapt existing protocols to the hybrid environment.