Cognitive routing in UWB networks

This paper investigates the effect of introducing cognitive mechanisms in the logic of a wireless network as regards routing. A routing cost function incorporating measurements of the instantaneous behaviour of the external world, as represented for example by current network status in terms of interference suffered by overlaid networks is defined in the framework of IEEE 802.15.4a-like low data rate and low cost networks for mixed indoor/outdoor communications. We simulated a network of nodes and implemented the cognitive approach in the routing module. Network behavior was analyzed in terms of network performance and network lifetime. Results indicate that the introduction of a mechanism that allows the routing strategy to adapt to the environment and to adjust its principles of operation as a function of both external and internal unpredictable events leads to a remarkable improvement in network performance