Dynamic Proximity Networking

The proliferation of hand-held devices (e.g phones, headset, PDA, laptop, camera, gaming devices etc) has given rise to a new kind of network commonly known as personal area network (PAN) or proximity network. Proximity network have unique properties that differentiate them from wired network a) These network are ad-hoc and dynamic in nature; devices have no prior knowledge of other devices they will be connecting to. b) These network are independent of any infrastructure support (e.g. Access-point, Base-stations). c) Their existence is only for a short period of time compared to wired network and usually disappear without any trace. d) Proximity networks are not constraint or bound to a specific location or place, they can be formed anywhere and anytime. e) These network are self organizing; once connected devices can automatically configure the link to support voice and data transfer. These unique properties of proximity network give end-users the freedom to connect anywhere anytime to any device without any assistance (e.g. network administrator). Once proximity network is established it creates a local service environment for end-users e.g. in wireless meeting scenario a user's laptop attached to a network with printer, fax machine, projector and other device (e.g. other user's laptop, PDA and phones) can use several proximity services like printing/faxing, projector service and file sharing.

Bluetooth BTH , a short-range wireless technology, is emerging as a de-facto technology for wireless network. Its attractive features like support for ad-hoc connection, power efficiency and robustness to interference makes it suitable for creating proximity network. The advantage of using BTH is BTH procedures and protocols. BTH has a well defined protocol to discover other devices (BTH inquiry), to authenticate and connect to the discovered devices (BTH paging).

This group is concerned with the study of Dynamic Proximity Networks providing feasible and practical solutions. Dynamic Proximity Networks creation often requries a) A fast and efficient device discovery protocol to discover neighboring devices b) A simple mechanism to authenticate and connect (pair) devices. c) A fast and efficient hand-off mechanism to hand-over existing voice and data sessions to other devices, independent of infrastructure (e.g. Access Point). d) A communication framework for providing addressing mechanism and middle-ware, to run distributed applications. e) High data rate to support multiple audio and video distribution. This research group will endeavor to develop sufficient understanding of Dynamic Proximity Network and propose efficient solutions and protocols to meet the above requirements.

Specific current area of Interest include:

• Study of Multi-hop Topology Construction and Maintenance
• Development of Efficient Device Discovery and Connection Process
• Routing Protocol
• Communication Middle-ware (Connection Mngt & Session Mngt)
• IP Infrastructure on Dynamic Proximity Nework Auto-Configuration
• Focus of technologies like Bluetooth, 802.11 and UWB