Novel multi-path communication approach in a smart heterogeneous mobile environment

This research work addresses the problem of communication within heterogeneous ad hoc networks. In this context, a new generic transmission method has been proposed, adapted to any architecture composed of two or more types of ad hoc nodes, called Multipath Heterogeneous Ad hoc Routing (MHAR), which manipulates all the network elements while preserving and respecting their characteristics. As a first step, we carried out a theoretical study, based on the graphical model elaboration using colored Petri nets, transformed into a system of mathematical equations employing algebra (max, +). To analyze and predict the behavior of our concept, with the aspect of a discrete event system, to optimize it later. Then, we performed practical tests under NS3 of a new protocol that combines the principle of our solution with the standard version of Optimised Link State Routing (OLSR), called MHAR-OLSR, within a dedicated heterogeneous network that regroups mobile, vehicular, and flying nodes. The results obtained reflect gains of 72% and 51%, respectively, in packet delivery ratio (PDR) and throughput. In addition, end-to-end (E2E) delay savings of approximately 51% and energy per packet of 32%. We conclude that this new version provides a homogeneous connection in a heterogeneous structure that is better than the original OLSR. Finally, we chose agriculture as an application domain in which we proposed an optimal, less expensive, and more manageable solution. It is in the form of a new autonomous and infrastructure-free architecture that exploits existing field equipment, based on the ad hoc standard adopting MHAR as a communication protocol.