Puneet Varma (Editor)

Smart phone ad hoc network

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Smart Phone Ad hoc Networks (SPANs) leverage the existing hardware (primarily Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) in commercially available smartphones to create peer-to-peer networks without relying on cellular carrier networks, wireless access points, or traditional network infrastructure. SPANs differ from traditional hub and spoke networks, such as Wi-Fi Direct, in that they support multi-hop relays and there is no notion of a group leader so peers can join and leave at will without destroying the network.

Contents

Features

  • Capable of going off-grid and enabling peer-to-peer communications without relying on cellular carrier networks, wireless access points, or traditional network infrastructure.
  • Optional Internet access through gateway devices, such as mobile hotspots in the mesh.
  • Optional stationary or portable infrastructures such as routers, mesh extenders, or other non-phone hardware.
  • Leverage the devices that people carry on their person and use every day.
  • Primarily use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi since the cellular spectrum is licensed and controlled by cellular providers and FCC regulations.
  • Set up and tear down are on-demand. Join and leave at will.
  • Routing protocol may be implemented at the Network Layer or Link Layer.
  • Often requires rooting a device and making modifications to the operating system, kernel, or drivers.

    • The technology may result in profit loss by cellular carriers.

    Use Cases

  • Developing nations where network infrastructure doesn't exist.
  • Protests where government entities monitor or disable network infrastructure.
  • Natural disasters or terrorist incidents where existing network infrastructure is overloaded, destroyed, or compromised.
  • Temporary Large-scale events such as festivals where huge scale is needed for short period of time

    • Projects

  • The SPAN Project
  • The Serval Project
  • Commotion Wireless
  • FireChat
  • MapMe.io
  • Locayt

    • Device Manufacturer Support

  • iOS Multipeer Connectivity Framework

    • Impact

  • in Iraq following government restrictions on internet use, users use the technology to communicate
  • Hong Kong Protests in China used Firechat to communicate
  • Leaders of Anti-government protests in Russia in December 2014 urged their followers to install firechat

    • References

    Smart phone ad hoc network Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA