An architecture for integrating mobile ad hoc networks with the Internet using multiple mobile gateways

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are typically considered as stand-alone, autonomous networks that support multihop communication without relying on any existing infrastructure. However, the integration of MANETs and infrastructure networks such as the Internet extends the network coverage and increases the application domain of ad hoc networks. In this paper we propose an architecture for integrating MANETs and the Internet using multiple mobile gateways. We used an extended ad hoc on demand distance vector (AODV) routing protocol and mobile IP (MIP) to achieve the integration. The proposed architecture has two main features. First, it provides global communication between MANETs and the Internet using a subset MANET nodes called mobile gateways (MGs) and the MIP foreign agents. The MGs are selected among MANET nodes based on the node stability, load and distance metrics. Second, it allows the MANET nodes to maintain multiple routes to the MGs using hybrid gateway discovery mechanisms. The simulation results of the proposed architecture indicate that the use of multiple mobile gateways and hybrid gateway discovery mechanisms enhance the network performance while providing bi-directional Internet connectivity