IPv6 MANET: An Essential Technology for Future Pervasive Computing

In the near future, a pervasive computing environment can be expected to be based on the recent progresses and advances in computing and communication technologies. The Next generation (Next-Gen) of mobile communications will include both prestigious infrastructured wireless networks and novel infrastructureless Mobile Adhoc NETworks (MANETs). The special features of MANET bring great opportunities together with severe challenges. With this insight, an empirical study on MANET is being conducted. Some of the technical challenges MANET poses are also presented. The paper points out some of the key research issues to promote the development and accelerate the commercial applications of the MANET technology. A special attention is paid on to highlight the integration of MANET with the significant features of IPv6 such as integrated security, end-to-end communication. This paper also briefs and focuses the research directions towards the IPv6 based MANET which is the most essential for growing mobile population.