Power-conserving centralized organization of ad hoc wireless networks

This paper presents a physical layer-based framework for the organization of ad hoc wireless networks. The focus is quasi-static environments, such as multimedia classrooms, and situations characterized by real-time services and high traffic loads. In these cases, centralized control and a star-connected topology may be preferable due to its simplicity and high efficiency. Using a link loss matrix, an approach is developed for selection of a network leader that takes into consideration link losses and transmitter powers. Both minimax and minisum criteria are established, and a number of conditions are established for determining uplink, downlink, Bayesian and universal leaders. A QoS-based iterative algorithm for determination of link transmit powers is also proposed, a special case of which provides the link loss matrix for leader selection. The algorithm also provides the information required to determine a set of candidate leaders, whose members can assume leadership without interruption or degradation of network operation.