Multihop wireless IEEE 802.11 LANs: A prototype implementation

In this paper, we present a prototype for a new architecture, MCN (Multihop Cellular Network) implemented over a wireless LAN platform. MCN preserves the virtue of traditional single-hop cellular networks where the service infrastructure is constructed by many BSs (Base Stations) but it also adds the flexibility of ad hoc networks where wireless transfer through mobile stations in multiple hops is allowed. MCN can reduce the number of required BSs or improve the throughput performance. In the prototype of MCN, a bridging protocol, BMBP (Base-driven Multihop Bridging Protocol) runs between mobile stations and access points to enable multihop routing and roaming. Demonstration show that MCN is a feasible architecture for wireless LANs.