Mobile Networks and Protocols
This area covers architectures and protocols for next-generation wireless networks. Specific topics include design of mobile network protocols for support of evolving authentication, security, location management, handoff and quality-of-service (QoS) needs, in both commercial and military wireless scenarios. Specific research themes include MAC-layer QoS enhancements for 802.11 WLAN and other wireless standards such as 802.15.3 and 802.16. Self-organizing ad-hoc network protocols are also being investigated for use in both hierarchical and mesh architectures as well as in sensor networks. In addition, several cross-layer approaches that combine MAC, topology discovery, routing and transport-layer information for improved network performance are being evaluated.

Current projects:

• WLAN enhancements for QoS and multicast
• Interworking between mobile IP and sensor networks
• Hierarchical ad-hoc network discovery and routing
• 802.11 extensions and new MAC protocols for ad-hoc networks
• Media streaming and QoS support in ad-hoc nets
• Security in 3G and WLAN networks
• Cross-layer protocols for ad-hoc wireless networks