Service discovery framework for MANETs using cross-layered design

Service discovery for computer networks has traditionally been done in the application layer. An explosion of growth in the adoption of wireless technology has led to the emergence of a new breed of networks, mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). These networks are constrained for resources, error prone and highly volatile. Cross-layered design approaches address the performance problems faced by traditional approaches to service discovery in MANETs. In these approaches the optimization is achieved by coupling the service discovery functions with routing functions, which reduces the generality of the solutions. In this paper we present a cross-layered solution to this problem that aims to preserve the best of both the traditional application layer and cross-layered design approaches. We propose a framework for service discovery in MANETs that not only exhibits superior performance but is also feature rich, takes an integrated approach to service discovery and is based on a modular design.