Experiences from the MANIAC Challenge

The MANIAC Challenge is a competition for cooperation strategies in wireless ad-hoc networks with the focus on experimental evaluation. We present the results of the MANIAC Challenge and discuss characteristics of real networks such as link instability and mobility, which are often simplified in common network simulators. We introduce our strategy Friendly Clustering that won the Performance Award. Friendly Clustering is based on monitoring the neighbors´ forwarding behavior and assessing their willingness to relay future data packets. Further on, we describe the challenges in implementing the strategy for real networks, such as the DES-Testbed at the Freie Universität Berlin and the ad-hoc network of the MANIAC Challenge.