A cooperative framework towards self-protection and self-organization in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper, we propose a highly modular cross-layer architectural solution for the design and implementation of self-protected and self-organized Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANETs). In the absence of infrastructure we exploit the capabilities provided by cooperation towards autonomic and informed decision-making of the ad hoc nodes. The proposed generic framework flexibly combines local operational and global cooperative components. We highlight the details of the clustering sub-layer designed with intruder detection capability. Simulation results show the applicability and the effectiveness of the proposal in the MANET environment.