A mobile ad hoc network with mobile satellite earth-stations

Ad hoc networks face the problem of improving networks´ capacity and scalability. The scalability problem can be properly solved through physical hierarchy networking. In this paper, we propose a new type of hierarchal mobile ad hoc network, called the mobile ad hoc network, with mobile satellite earth-stations (MANMSE), which can effectively improve the network´s scalability. MANMSE has some advantages over other physically hierarchical ad hoc networks supported by Aerial Platforms and other mobile backbones in characteristics such as greater flexibility, large coverage and higher scalability. In this paper, we first discuss the architecture of MANMSE, and then pay more attention to the network´s strategy of clustering and routing. After that, we especially analyze the optimal clustering radius. We conclude that, for an ad hoc network of 1000 nodes, a clustering radius of 2, which means about 84 mobile satellite earth-stations, are suitable.