Algorithmic methods in wireless network computing

本文主要研究无线网络计算中“算法方法学”的设计

This proposal is concerned with the design of ``algorithmic methodologies'' in wireless network computing in order to enhance communication efficiency and reliability of wireless networks. Algorithmic methodologies are common in all areas of computer science. On the one hand, wireless networking arises when connectivity is the result of devices transmitting in unguided media, and on the other network computing refers to computers working together and interacting over a network. It is of interest to explore how network computing principles can lead to improved wireless network design. Questions underlying the efficiency of communication in wireless networks involve a combination of topological, architectural, methodological and coordination paradigms. More specifically, some of the questions to be investigated include: 1) How are network parameters such as diameter, connectivity and degree affected by random dependent (node and/or edge) faults? What is the impact of the probability distribution of the faults on the connectivity and diameter of the fault-free part of the network? 2) How much receiver interference is caused by the transmission range and beam breadth of a sensor, how does it affect the quality of communication and how can extreme value analysis illuminate the limitations of antenna design? 3) Can we improve the efficiency of sensor networks by judicious employment of directional antennae and establish rigorous trade-offs involving a) robustness of network connectivity, b) antenna characteristics (directional versus omni-directional) and parameters (length of antennae range and beam breadth), and c) overall network energy consumption when substituting omnidirectional by directional antennae? 4) In what way can the use of mobile, co-operating agents take advantage of opportunistic and delay-tolerant situations in order to establish a more reliable, mobile ad hoc network that attains good connectivity and coverage characteristics? How can the coordination of wireless nodes with mobile agents be used to establish secure network boundaries?