On the Integration of Internet QoS Paradigms and Ad-Hoc Networks

Wireless and mobile computing is on the verge of nothing short of a revolution. If the promises of the visions for Fourth Generation (4G) wireless networks hold true, practitioners will be able to merge different paradigms of wireless access, exploiting the utility offered by each and creating a more power computing paradigm. Such visions also promise a strong, stable and efficient Internet penetration through making 4G IP-centric, i.e. all-IP. Of the different mobile paradigms to be converged is the paradigm of Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) - an infrastructureless, decentralized and flexible paradigm of many applications. However, while steadfast steps have been taken towards envisaging Internet delivery to MANETs, inducing quality of service in such delivery remains a challenging quest. This paper attempts to instigate a discussion towards such challenge, drawing on legacy Internet models and proposals that have been made so far, and identifying measures required for a comprehensive solution.