Routing protocols for indoor wireless ad-hoc networks: a cross-layer perspective

Since human-operated devices will more likely be used indoor, it leads to many issues related to the strength of the fading in this environment. Recently, it has been suggested that a possible interaction might exist between various parameters of the ad-hoc networks and, more precisely, between the propagation model and the routing protocol.

To address this question, we present in this dissertation a cross-layer perspective of the analysis of these indoor ad-hoc networks. Our reasoning is made of four stages. First, the cross-layer interactions are analyzed by the means of multivariate statistical techniques. Since a cross-layering between the physical layer and the routing protocol has been proven to be significant, we further investigate the possible development a physical layer-constrained routing algorithm.

Second, fundamental equations governing the wireless telecommunications systems are developed in order to provide insightful informations on how a reliable routing strategy should be implemented in a strongly-faded environment. After that, and in order to allow a better spatial reuse, the routing protocol we propose is further enhanced by the adjonction of a power control algorithm. This last feature is extensively analyzed and a closed-form expression of the link probability of outage in presence of non-homogeneous transmission powers is given. Numerous simulations corroborate the applicability and the performance of the derived protocol. Also, we evaluate the gain, in terms of radio channel ressources, that has been achieved by the means of the power control algorithm.

Third, an architecture for the interconnection with a cellular network is investigated. A closed-form expression of the relaying stability of a node is given. This equation expresses the minimal requirement that a relaying node from the ad-hoc network must fullfil in order to bridge properly the connections to the base-station.

Finally, a real-life implementation is provided as a validation of the applicability of this novel ad-hoc routing protocol. It is concluded that, both from the performance and the spatial re-use point-of-views, it can be taken advantage from the cross-layering between the physical and the routing layers to positively enhance the networking architectures deployed in an indoor environment.