On Ad Hoc Communication in Industrial Environments

Abstract

Wireless communication is becoming vital in the industrial environment. New communication technologies, including ad hoc communication, are researched for this application. A thorough understanding regarding the connection characteristics of industrial networks could benefit this trend. In this work it was possible to record the time-variant network topology of such a network utilizing a novel method. Using this method and the generated recordings, novel insights into the behavior of industrial ad hoc networks are presented. The recorded time-variant topology, the tools and method of acquisition, and tools for processing and examination are published. This enables researchers and engineers to check their communication technologies in terms of applicability to the industrial use case and record more network topologies in a wide variety of wireless networking scenarios.

Keywords

• mobile ad hoc networks
• industrial application
• nodal encounter pattern
• communication characteristics