Communications and Mobile Computing 

Abstract: The solar-powered autonomous underwater vehicle (SAUV) platform has been developed over the past several years as a means to achieve long-endurance cooperative missions, and the design of mobile routing protocols has become one of the main areas of focus during this process. This paper reports on the lessons learned from the design, simulation-based evaluation, and field testing of two protocols. Two areas for possible improvements are proposed and evaluated using simulations. Finally, we present suggestions drawn from field experience for improving the design, simulation, and evaluation of protocols for use in a harsh underwater environment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract: One of the most promising trends for next generation networks is to consider an integrated approach to the communication infrastructure and the processing layer. In particular, the introduction of broadband and reliable wireless networks allows the interaction of a huge number of devices all creating a single network. On the other hand, the grid paradigm is considered as one of the most promising approach for pervasive and dynamic applications. Aim of this paper is to present a novel integrated approach between grid paradigm and wireless networks by highlighting the main advantages of their cooperation. In particular, it will be shown here how a wireless heterogeneous network can be exploited for implementing a pervasive and dynamic grid (mobile grid) and, on the other hand, a mobile grid allows the optimization of the communication infrastructure. The integrated approach can be an effective method for solving applications, such as emergency management, where a huge amount of data derived from a wireless infrastructure needs to be processed efficiently and adaptively, and the traffic flow in the wide area wireless networks needs to be coordinated and optimized. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract: Since battery technology has not progressed as rapidly as semiconductor technology, power efficiency has become increasingly important in wireless networking, in addition to the traditional quality and performance measures, such as bandwidth, throughput, and fairness. Energy-efficient design requires a cross layer approach as power consumption is affected by all aspects of system design, ranging from silicon to applications. This article presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in cross-layer design for energy-efficient wireless communications. We particularly focus on a system-based approaches toward energy optimal transmission and resource management across time, frequency, and spatial domains. Details related to energy-efficient hardware implementations are also covered. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract: This paper reviews the physical fundamentals and engineering implementations for efficient information exchange via wireless communication using physical waves as the carrier among nodes in an underwater sensor network (UWSN). The physical waves under discussion include sound, radio, and light. We first present the fundamental physics of different waves; then we discuss and compare the pros and cons for adopting different communication carriers (acoustic, radio, and optical) based on the fundamental first principles of physics and engineering practice. The discussions are mainly targeted at underwater sensor networks (UWSNs) with densely deployed nodes. Based on the comparison study, we make recommendations for the selection of communication carriers for UWSNs with engineering countermeasures that can possibly enhance the communication efficiency in specified underwater environments. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.