Channel-access and routing protocols to utilize multiple heterogeneous channels for ad hoc networks

We introduce new rules for channel access and a new metric for use with the routing protocol for ad hoc networks that utilize multiple heterogeneous channels. The networks we investigate employ frequency-agile radios that are able to change their carrier frequency and chip rate over a wide range of possibilities. These protocols have the capability to increase the network performance of an ad hoc network by utilizing the multiple bands available to the network. We show that our jointly designed channel-access and routing protocols significantly increase network performance over an approach in which the channelaccess and routing protocols are not designed to cooperate. We also show that the channel-access and routing protocols should be adapted jointly according to the specific characteristics of the network.