Cognitive Networks: Towards Self-Aware Networks

8.6. Summary and Conclusions

There are two definitions of ad hoc: the real and the ideal. Unfortunately, engineering pragmatism has somewhat stifled the understanding of what it means to be an ad hoc network. The discussion in this chapter has sought to refocus the definition of ad hoc around its true meaning in order to explore the real potential of ad hoc networking and, in doing so, to illustrate that the natural endpoint for the evolution of ad hoc networks is a fully cognitive ad hoc network. It is important that the wider definition of ad hoc network be embraced for the field to grow.

The use of the cognition cycle for defining the stages in the cognitive processes of a cognitive radio has been expanded to take account of the stages of a cognitive network. In doing this, a clear distinction has been made between node-level cognitive processing and network-level cognitive processing. The objective of splitting the processing into two components has been to allow a clear focus on the challenges associated with network level processing for ad hoc networks. The major challenges are in the design of a framework for network-level processing that is not limited for use in predefined scenarios but that can evolve to cope with any situation that arises. Inspiration from other knowledge domains, such as the social science domains mentioned in this chapter, can help develop a better understanding of the framework we seek to design.

Ad hoc networks are not currently in widespread use. ...