Resource configuration in ad hoc networks: the MARE approach

Increasing availability of devices with processing and communication capabilities, such as PDAs and mobile phones, has led to a desire to use various combinations of these devices for new and as yet unrealised operations. Not only are mobile devices expected to offer facilities like e-mail and Web browsing, but also more demanding operations such as displaying video. Attaining these operations within a stationary environment with good workstations is non-trivial; however, many other factors are associated with attaining these tasks in a highly active ad-hoc environment. In particular, a means of discovering available devices and enabling manipulation of them within a highly active environment is required. This paper examines the currently available architectures for the detection and manipulation of devices leading to a describing of the novel approach taken by MARE (Mobile Agent Runtime Environment).