Semantic interoperability in ad hoc wireless networks

Abstract

Ad hoc wireless networks are decentralized networks whose members join and leave the network in an asynchronous manner and for short periods of time. Each node participating in the network acts both as host and a router Ad hoc networks in theory, support missions of the Armed Forces in situations in which the infrastructure for wire-bound networks is not dependable, it is impractical to build and maintain the infrastructure, or the missions requires that the nodes have a high-degree of mobility. Ad hoc wireless networks require some level of semantic interoperability so that nodes in the network can 'understand' each other. In this thesis we discuss requirements for semantic interoperability in ad hoc wireless networks, and present a case study of how such requirements could be applied. We realized during our study that semantic interoperability components and functions are developed mostly for wired networks, and not taking in consideration the wireless issues such as: processing, power, and networking limitations. In this thesis we discuss wireless user infrastructure, mobile middleware, and wireless application protocols as a solution to realize semantic interoperability in wireless ad hoc networks.