A multi-protocol wireless multi-hop network employing a new efficient hybrid routing scheme

We have developed a cost-effective wireless multi-hop network system for accessing core networks. Cost-effectiveness can be provided to users by offering them a wireless multi-hop network in which a wireless link enables multiple hops between access points (APs) and reduces the number of APs connected to a wired network. The key issues of wireless multi-hop networks are routing and security. We proposed a hybrid routing for wireless multi-hop networks that combines on-demand and table-driven routing, a packet check scheme between APs, and an authentication scheme. To ensure both correct routing and security, the system makes use of a wireless multi-hop (WM) layer between the IP and medium access control (MAC) layers. This paper evaluates the system based on its FTP throughput, round-trip time, and route creation time. The FTP throughput was about 3.5 Mbps even when there were four hops in an 802.11b wireless LAN. We believe that our wireless multi-hop network system is useful for providing cost-effective broadband access service.