Network Layer Solutions forWireless Shadow Networks

Nowadays, people more and more rely on a good working telecommunication network for every day activities. However, due to natural disasters or intentional attacks, large parts of this network can be destroyed. While the setup of a new, wired infrastructure can take several days, network connection is already needed within the first hours for rescue operations. The setup of a wireless adhoc network, known as a wireless shadow network, can provide such communication. In this paper, the broadcasting scenario, as presented in [1], is studied and several network layer issues are identified. To solve these issues, two network layer solutions are investigated: the ad hoc protocol OLSR [3] in combination with Mobile IP and the micromobility handoff scheme MEHROM’ [4] in combination with Mobile IP Regional Registration. Our MEHROM’ scheme turns out to perform the best in fulfilling the severe requirements of simplicity, mobility support and easy integration with the wired network.