Reducing communication detection and eavesdropping using mobile agent relay networks

Although mobile wireless communication provides connectivity where hardwired links are difficult or impractical, environmental conditions can still hinder communications. Increasing transmission power reduces battery life and increases susceptibility to eavesdropping. Adding stationary repeater nodes is impractical for highly mobile users in dangerous environments. Using remotely-controlled mobile relay nodes requires centralized control schemes which and adds network traffic overhead and introduces a single point of failure at the controller. An alternative is to create a Mobile Agent Relay Network (MARN). Each autonomous node in the MARN is an agent that decides where to move to maintain the network connectivity using only locally available information from onboard sensors and communication with in-range neighbor nodes. MARN agents form and maintain a communication network that provides connectivity for users while reducing the overall radio frequency footprint, minimizing the likelihood of detection and eavesdropping. We characterize the footprint reduction both theoretically and in simulation.