Virtual Mobile Ad-hoc Networks

Ubiquitous use of MANETs (Mobile Ad-hoc Networks) is greatly hindered by the technological cap on broadcast distances. In this work we propose a method of extending the cover area of a MANETs by taking advantage of pre-existing mesh networks among routers. This is done in a transparent manner, so participating ad-hoc nodes are oblivious to this mechanism. They see both ad-hoc networks as one, effectively creating a large virtual network. We implemented a proof-ofconcept that uses a MANET client application over the Android operating system for providing voice calls between smartphones.