1. Opportunistic Networks: A New Type of Specialized Ad Hoc Networks
Paradigm of opportunistic networks (oppnets)
Based on the analogy to operations of human rescue teams
Goals of oppnets:
Opportunistic growth
Opportunistic leveraging of resources aiming at (among others):
Bridging diverse communication media
Offloading computations to additional platforms
Integrating independent sensing systems (enhancing their sensing capabilities)
>> USE EXAMPLES TO SPECIFY WHEN IT IS A REAL CHALLENGE – even engage audience in this matter
- To begin with oppnet seed is just a MANET that has the ability to “grow”
e.g. OSN is a subclass of oppnets, in which the seed constitutes a sensor network
So the challenges inherent to OSN would be those inherent to sensornets, which are also specialized MANETS, thus have some of the same challenges > localization, self-configuration, adaptability and further restricted by resources and hence, power conservation also becomes an inherent challenge > to develop efficient and power-aware algorithms
The seed equipped with GPS should be able to localize itself and enable localization or facilitate in the localization of the expanded oppnet
Adapt to the dynamic environment and dynamics of the network > may cause nodes to fail > seed re-configures
P2P systems > centralized (Napster), decentralized & unstructured (Gnutella) > talk about the intrinsic difference in these two systems and how oppnet resemble unstructured P2P systems 1

2. Controller (distributed)
Startup: Seed Oppnet
Oppnet deployed as a seed oppnet
Seed Nodes
Link to
the World
Controller (distributed)
Seed oppnet localizes its nodes & self-configures 2

3. Growth: Expanded Oppnet
Seed oppnet grows into an expanded oppnet by:
Finding candidate helpers
Selecting candidates - they are ordered/asked to join
Add communication, computing, sensing, storage, other resources
Seed Nodes
Link to
the World
Controller (distributed)
Appliance
(refrigerator)
Computer Network
WiMAX
Overturned
Vehicle
(with OnStar, VAN)
Cellphone
Tower
Satellite 3 3

4. Summary of Oppnet Activities
Discovering & identifying candidate helpers
Contacting selected candidates
Inviting or ordering candidates to join
Admitting & integrating helpers that join oppnet
Offloading tasks to helpers
Determining useful colaborative functionalities
Managing offloaded tasks
Cleaning up & releasing each helper when no longer needed
> Need research for each of theses activities < 4

5. Oppnets Applications Example 1: A Home/Office Application
Jenny wants to watch a podcast
Can watch it on her own PDA
Discouraging: small screen, low-quality speakers
There is a better way …
[PDA figure: Matt Mutka, MSU, 5

6. … Jenny can use oppnet, to assist her PDA in finding powerful helpers
PDA is a single-node oppnet seed
Oppnet seed grows into an expanded oppnet
Helpers include:
- TV monitor
- Home Theater (HT) system
- desktop for communication
between the PDA and
monitor + HT Xx …
[Figure (originally for ad hoc networks):
Matt Mutka, MSU, 6

7. Oppnets Applications Example 2: Emergency Application
A quiet day in a city…
… will not last long
[PDA figure: Matt Mutka, MSU, 7

8. Forming Seed Oppnet Among Emergency Response Teams
Arrival of Emergency Response Teams
Building Expanded Oppnet:
Discovering Candidate Helpers,
Before an Incident
An Incident Occurs
Expanded Oppnet
Selecting and Integrating Helpers
Cellphone
Tower
Overturned
Vehicles
(OnStar & BANs)
Computer
Network
Road Infrastructure Sensors
11/10/2006