Implementation Of A Middleware Architecture For Collaboration Among Mobile Devices In Opportunistic Networks.

Abstract

Opportunistic networks provide a viable platform for mobile communications due to the ubiquity of smart phones. These networks are characterized by lack of end to-end reliable connections. In such networks, establishing collaboration among nodes is a challenge. In this thesis, a middleware architecture for opportunistic communication and collaboration has been designed, developed, and implemented. The middleware architecture supports a protocol for efficiently exchanging information between mobile nodes during an opportunistic contact. Message formats for differentiating the various kinds of messages that will be transferred across the network are defined to maintain consistency and reduce redundancy. The architecture consists of several modules equipped with system software to differentiate, compute, update and merge information acquired at each participating node. The middleware has been developed with a view to support a variety of application services on opportunistic networks. In particular, the middleware performs service composition utilizing basic services available in different devices. A sample language translation application has been implemented involving several android devices to test service composition in an opportunistic network created among mobile devices. Finally experimental results are carried out to measure success rates of service composition. The experimental studies include results with the following scenarios: parallel service requests; varying service composition lengths; varying content size; varying number of nodes;