Abstract:
We present a software library that aids in the design of mobile ad hoc
networks (MANET). The OMAN design engine works by taking a specification
of network requirements and objectives, and allocates resources which
satisfy the input constraints and maximize the communication performance
objective. The tool is used to explore networking design options and
challenges, including: power control, adaptive modulation, flow control,
scheduling, mobility, uncertainty in channel models, and cross-layer
design. The unaddressed niche which OMAN seeks to fill is the general
framework for optimization of any network resource, under arbitrary
constraints, and with any selection of multiple objectives. While
simulation is an important part of measuring the effectiveness of
implemented optimization techniques, the novelty and focus of OMAN is
on proposing novel network design algorithms, aggregating existing
approaches, and providing a general framework for a network designer to
test out new proposed resource allocation methods. In this paper, we
present a high-level view of the OMAN architecture, review specific
mathematical models used in the network representation, and show how
OMAN is used to evaluate tradeoffs in MANET design. Specifically, we
cover three case studies of optimization. The first case is robust power
control under uncertain channel information for a single physical layer
snapshot. The second case is scheduling with the availability of
directional radiation patterns. The third case is optimizing topology
through movement planning of relay nodes.
