What is Mobile Ad Hoc Network

A self configured network, infrastructure less mobile network. Here two or more devices are associated wirelessly. If two nodes are situated in the radio range of each other, they can communicate directly. Else they communicate with the help of other nodes. When two nodes communicate in a network, a unique identity is compulsory. The configuration of Mobile ad hoc network (MANET) takes place dynamically in an automated way. Thus it is called as a self-organized network. MANET is an infrastructure less network also where the nodes connect with other wirelessly. In Latin ad hoc means “for this purpose”. In a MANET the nodes move about independent of other nodes hence, the links between nodes are frequently broken and established. The nodes in a MANET forward traffic that is not linked to it. Hence it serves as router. If the nodes are within the transmission range of each other then they can communicate directly, but if they are not then they communicate via other nodes. In a MANET each participating nodes must maintain the necessary information required to route packets. As the nodes are mobile in a MANET, the network topology is changed dynamically. MANETs are also susceptible to various security threats. The features of MANET are: seamless communication between nodes and suitable environment for ubiquitous mobile computing, infrastructure less and self-configured, supports mobility, seamless connectivity is maintained even when the nodes move about from their positions, the nodes act as router and forward unrelated packets, ability to discover nearby nodes, computations take place in a decentralized way, resource availability is limited, wireless connectivity range is limited, and vulnerable to various security threats.

Natural Computing in Mobile Network Optimization

Anwesha Mukherjee (West Bengal University of Technology, India), Priti Deb (West Bengal University of Technology, India), and Debashis De (West Bengal University of Technology, India)