| In this thesis, ad hoc networks with frequency-agile radios utilizing omni-directional and directional antennas form the basis of study. This work focuses on the selection of channel-access and routing protocols for these networks. Findings demonstrate that protocol selection must occur jointly in order to increase the efficient utilization of available spectrum while achieving maximum network performance.;In this thesis, we investigate several channel-access methods that provide different ways of selecting one of the heterogeneous non-overlapping channels for transmission. We also investigate a modification of least-resistance routing that accounts for the variations in transmission channels. Through simulation, we find that better network performance can be achieved when the channel-access and routing protocols are considered jointly. Additionally, we examine the difference in protocol selection when using a network consisting of terminals equipped with omni-directional antennas and when using a network in which some of the terminals employ directional antennas. Finally, we explore a channel busyness metric as a means of assisting with an adaptive, distributed protocol, while the development of such a distributed protocol is left for future work. |
