Efficient resource allocation in Hybrid Wireless Networks

In this paper, we study an emerging type of wireless network - Hybrid Wireless Networks (HWNs). A HWN consists of an infrastructure wireless network (e.g., a cellular network) and several ad hoc nodes (such as a Mobile ad hoc network). Forming a HWN is a very cost-effective way to improve wireless coverage and the available bandwidth to users. Specifically, in this work we investigate the issue of bandwidth allocation in multi-hop HWNs. We propose three efficient bandwidth allocation schemes for HWNs: top-down, bottom-up, and auction-based allocation schemes. In order to evaluate the bandwidth allocation schemes, we develop a simulated HWN environment. Our simulation results show that the proposed schemes achieve good performance: the schemes can achieve maximum revenue/utility in many cases, while also providing fairness. We also show that each of the schemes has merit in different application scenarios.