Medium access control in mobile ad hoc networks: challenges and solutions
Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are useful in environment where fixed network infrastructure is unavailable. To function normally, MANETs demand an efficient and distributed medium access control (MAC) protocol. However, characteristics of MANETs such as radio link vulnerability, mobility, limited power pose great challenges oil MAC design. This paper surveys the recent advances in MAC design for MANETs. We first identify the challenges that are facing MAC ill MANETs. Then we discuss the proposed MAC schemes according to their design goals, focusing on some critical design issues, and tradeoffs. Finally, we point out some future research directions. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
mobile ad hoc networks (manets) medium access control (mac) quality of service (qos) fairness energy-efficiency