Efficient Data Dissemination in a Challenging Environment Using a Hybrid Network

In challenging environments, such as disaster-stricken areas, traditional communication infrastructures often become inoperable, severely hindering mission-critical communications necessary for coordinating relief operations and disseminating vital information. In such scenarios, Mobile AdHoc Networks (MANETs) emerge as a crucial communication paradigm due to their ability to be rapidly deployed without reliance on pre-existing infrastructure. Additionally, the demand for fast and reliable data delivery in these environments, a cornerstone of mission-critical communications, can be effectively addressed by leveraging 5G networks. This paper explores a hybrid network model that integrates MANETs with 5G technology to enable efficient and resilient communication in disaster-prone and resource-constrained settings. A hybrid architecture is designed to enhance communication reliability by combining the adaptability of MANETs with the high-speed, low-latency capabilities of 5G, ensuring robust mission-critical communications. Furthermore, an efficient data forwarding scheme is proposed by incorporating a reinforcement learning-based Q-learning model. It optimizes routing decisions by dynamically adjusting critical parameters such as battery level, bandwidth, latency, hop count, and transmission success rate. This scheme addresses the limitations of traditional MANET routing protocols, particularly in dynamic and resource-limited environments where mission-critical communications are paramount. Simulation results obtained from NS-3 demonstrate that the proposed approach significantly improves routing efficiency and resource management compared to existing prominent schemes, underscoring its potential to support mission-critical communications in challenging environments.