Can ad-hoc networks live without infrastructure? A discussion from an automotive applications´ perspective [Keynote Speech]

In general, the purpose of network infrastructure for otherwise pure ad-hoc networks is to enhance network performance. Besides additional functionality like medium access coordination, stationary network infrastructure can be connected to a wired backbone and encompass access point behaviour, supporting both network connectivity and per-node multi-hop throughput. Fixed stand-alone nodes can still serve as simple relay stations with store&forward capabilities. They also support network connectivity and information flow-both for synchronous and asynchronous communication. In the case of vehicular ad-hoc networks makes it evident: for many real world scenarios, the question is not whether large ad-hoc networks can survive without infrastructure but rather how much and what kind of infrastructure is needed. It is important not only to think of access point behaviour or cellular networks when talking about infrastructure, but to open up the scope for potential services that infrastructure can offer, in other words: think about value-added infrastructure