Ad hoc network

A mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is a self-configuring network of mobile routers (and associated hosts) connected by wireless links--the union of which form an arbitrary topology. The routers are free to move randomly and organize themselves arbitrarily; thus, the network's wireless topology may change rapidly and unpredictably.

Such a network may operate in a standalone fashion, or may be connected to the larger Internet.

A list of some ad-hoc network protocols can be found in the Ad hoc protocol list.

External links:

• IETF MANET group, http://www.ietf.org/html.charters/manet-charter.html