[Term of the Day]: Ad hoc Network
Term of the Day
“Ad hoc Network”
Definition — What is an Ad hoc Network?
The term “Ad hoc” is a Latin phrase that literally means “To This” and is commonly understood as meaning “For This Purpose.”Ad hoc networks are mostly wireless local area networks that enable devices to connect with others without the need for central servers, access points, switch, or other network equipment.
The most common way wireless devices are connected is through the infrastructure method of wireless networking. This means multiple devices are all connected to a single access point, usually a wireless router, and communicate with the network through the router directly. All traffic must pass through to the router and travel back to the devices separately, even if files are sent from one local device to another. In the case of Ad hoc networks, they are mostly Wireless Local Area Networks that enable devices to connect with others without the need for a central server or any other network equipment. Usually in this type of network, a collection of devices (or nodes) is responsible for network operations, such as routing, devices can talk to each other and exchange files. One device can also share its Internet connection with other devices. Because of this feature, Ad hoc networks are also called “peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.”
Types of Ad hoc Networks:
- Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) is a type of ad hoc network that can change locations and configure itself on the fly. Because MANETS are mobile, they use wireless connections to connect to various networks. This can be a standard Wi-Fi connection, or another medium, such as a cellular or satellite transmission.
- Vehicular Ad hoc Network (VANET) used for communication between vehicles. VANET can be viewed as an intelligent component of the Transportation Systems as vehicles communicate with each other as well as with roadside base stations located at critical points of the road, such as intersections or construction sites.
- Wireless Mesh Network (WMN) is an Ad hoc network where the various nodes are in communication directly with each other to relay information throughout the total network.