Topology control in wireless mobile ad hoc networks with directional antennas

Topology control (TC) for ad hoc networks aims to reduce radio interference and energy consumption. Most of proposed algorithms assume the usage of isotropic antennas and thus only adjust the transmission power of each node. In this paper, we propose three kinds of topology control algorithms for wireless mobile ad hoc networks with directional antennas, which transmit in specific antenna pattern (direction(s)) to create the desired topology. Those algorithms are applied to topology control process between high-speed aircraft and low-speed ships in the Airborne-sea ad hoc networks (ASNETs). We investigate the conflict rate, energy consumption and gateway transfer of every algorithm. Analysis and simulation show that those algorithms have their own strong points and weaknesses. In the end, future possibilities to ameliorate topology control algorithms are discussed.