Use of Ad Hoc Networks for Wireless Internet Access

An ad hoc network consists of a collection of mobile wireless nodes that dynamically create a network among themselves without using any infrastructure or administrative support. Therefore, ad hoc networks have the potential to provide a free, non-operator controlled means of mobile communication. On the other hand, they also provide a low cost alternative to extend the reach of current wireless access networks. In this paper, the use of ad hoc networks for wireless Internet access is discussed. An overview of some proposed technical architectures and their challenges is provided. Also business models enabling the use of ad hoc networks and the challenges associated with the models arc considered.