From MANET to people-centric networking: milestones and open research challenges

Abstract: In this paper we discuss the state of the art of (mobile) multi-hop ad hoc networking with the aim to present the current status of the research activities and identify the consolidated research areas, with limited research opportunities, and the hot and emerging research areas for which further research is required. We start by briefly discussing the MANET paradigm, and why the research on MANET protocols is now a cold research topic. Then we analyze the active research areas. Specifically, after discussing the wireless-network technologies we analyze four successful ad hoc networking paradigms, mesh, opportunistic, vehicular networks, and sensor networks that emerged from the MANET world. We also present the new research directions in the multi-hop ad hoc networking field: people-centric networking, triggered by the increasing penetration of the smartphones in everyday life, which is generating a people-centric revolution in computing and communications.