PYLON-Lite: QoS model for gateways to ad hoc network

Quality of service research in mobile ad hoc networks is a particularly difficult topic due to the network dynamics, variations in radio link quality, limited capabilities of mobile nodes, and lack of central authority. In the last decade researchers tried to address and resolve QoS issues within the ad hoc network. Fewer studies though have paid attention to the QoS problems on the gateway to the ad hoc network. This research proposes the PYLON-Lite QoS model that deals with the cross-domains QoS connectivity issues. A PYLON-Lite gateway operates between the ad hoc network, with its unique characteristics on one side, and the fixed topology access network on the other side. The fundamental differences between these two networks form the heterogeneous environment of the PYLON-Lite model. The PYLON-Lite QoS model provides a seemingly homogeneous cross-domain QoS solution. PYLON-Lite has a flexible model design that facilitates a lightweight implementation to benefit from the already existing QoS models on each side of the gateway. This research identifies the challenges in designing the cross-domain QoS model. PYLON-Lite presents specific mechanisms to deal with those challenges while maintaining the lightweight approach. It defines methods to interact with other QoS models on both sides of the gateway, methods to police traffic, and conditions to guarantee model scalability. This research provides intensive analysis and evaluation of the model performance and behavioral characteristics. This study shows that PYLON-Lite, consistently; improves the QoS provided for real-time traffic with limited impact on best-effort traffic.