Handheld devices in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) use different communication technologies (e.g., Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11) and are equipped with different software/hardware processing capabilities. This multi-level heterogeneity poses a serious challenge on the performance of MANETs and adds a number of characteristics, complexities, and constraints to their design. This paper proposes a communication abstract model that supports interoperability and coexistence between heterogeneous mobile devices. The model is represented through a three-layered paradigm: a communication service layer that deals with available communication capabilities; a communication capability layer that is responsible for controlling and managing the lower communication service layer and translating the high level functions of the available capabilities; and a communication interface layer that provides the applications with a unified public interface that supports various functionalities. Simulation results show that the proposed model, when used in a heterogeneous MANET environment, increases its performance in term of reliability and power saving, and yields a significant reduction in path length and delay
['Haidar Safa', 'Hassan Artail', 'Rami Shibli']
An Abstract Model for Supporting Interoperability in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks