On the exploitation of user aggregation strategies in heterogeneous wireless networks

In this paper we discuss the exploitation of aggregated mobility patterns and physical proximity of nodes in a so-called ambient network, i.e., a wireless network with heterogeneous nodes and access techniques. We advocate to use the knowledge about node movements and geographical positions to create routing groups of adjacent nodes, which might be beneficial in order to decrease signaling overhead and increase transmission efficiency. Basically, routing groups (RGs) consist of aggregated logical structures which are built and maintained at the application layer. Their aim is to decrease the signaling overhead between group of nodes and access points and, at the same time, to improve connectivity by exploiting technology diversity and relaying techniques. On this matter, we describe a validation through simulation of a previously developed analytical work which is useful to evaluate the effectiveness of RG structures. Finally, we show the validity of the RG approach in terms of throughput and connectivity performance.