A Hybrid Network Implementation to Extend Infrastructure Reach

This paper describes a hybrid network implementation that uses both ad hoc connectivity and access points. The network also allows mobile hosts that are multiple hops from an access point to use centralized services, like DHCP, which are not available in pure ad hoc networks. Many scenarios may benefit from this extension of services, such as mobile users near university buildings or at an airport. For efficiency, the “radius” of an access point is limited to K hops. This means all routes have at most K consecutive wireless hops before reaching the destination or an access point. We believe this limitation may lead to more efficient routing by trading off some connectivity. The protocol uses proactive routing at the access points and on-demand routing at the mobile hosts. We present an implementation done as proof-of-concept and a basis for future research.