Cognitive ad hoc networks are a natural evolution of ad hoc networks where a cognitive network must be able to learn and plan. To do so requires a sense of self-awareness as well as being able to provide self-configuring and self-healing properties. Cognitive ad hoc radio networks provide the next step towards autonomous systems by providing radios that can perform spectrum sensing, track spectrum opportunities and characterize the available channels that can be used for collaborate spectrum allocation and for flexible ad hoc topology formation. The unique challenges of cognitive Ad Hoc networks require spectrum-aware communications protocols that consider spectrum management functionalities such as spectrum sensing, spectrum analysis, spectrum decision and spectrum mobility.

The Mobile ad hoc and Sensor Network Systems group will explore multi-channel multi-interface MAC layer algorithms as well as routing strategies that can adapt route selection to spectrum fluctuations. A cross-layer solution that considers joint route selection and spectrum management will be considered.