Power control and clustering in ad hoc networks

In this paper, we consider the problem of power control when nodes are nonhomogeneously dispersed in space. In such situations, one seeks to employ per packet power control depending on the source and destination of the packet. This gives rise to a joint problem which involves not only power control but also clustering. We provide three solutions for joint clustering and power control. The first protocol, CLUSTERPOW, aims to increase the network capacity by increasing spatial reuse. We provide a simple and modular architecture to implement CLUSTERPOW at the network layer. The second, Tunnelled CLUSTERPOW, allows a finer optimization by using encapsulation, but we do not know of an efficient way to implement it. The last, MINPOW, whose basic idea is not new, provides an optimal routing solution with respect to the total power consumed in communication. Our contribution includes a clean implementation of MINPOW at the network layer without any physical layer support. We establish that all three protocols ensure that packets ultimately reach their intended destinations. We provide a software architectural framework for our implementation as a network layer protocol. The architecture works with any routing protocol, and can also be used to implement other power control schemes. Details of the implementation in Linux are provided.