Single-Radio Adaptive Channel Algorithm for Spectrum Agile Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Abstract

This paper presents the single-radio adaptive channel (SRAC) algorithm which enables dynamic spectrum access in multi-hop wireless ad hoc networks where each node has only one half-duplex radio (transceiver). Designed as a relatively independent module, SRAC can upgrade various existing single-radio legacy medium access control (MAC) protocols to be dynamic spectrum access capable, achieving efficient use of the spectrum, relaxing their operating conditions, and naturally supporting multicast applications. The SRAC algorithm is characterized by three features: (a) dynamic channelization in response to jamming, primary spectrum users and channel load, (b) "cross channel communications", and (c) as-needed use of spectrum. We evaluate the performance of SRAC through analysis and QualNet simulations.