Social context computing: Wireless networking

Delay-tolerant networks (DTNs) have recently received much attention due to the wide range of applications such as providing Internet services in suburban and rural areas, military operations, and vehicular ad-hoc networks (VANETs). The nature of DTNs can be applicable to mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs), which is a general case of ad-hoc mode with mobility movement behavior of each node. Some applications of MANETs may include search-and-rescue operations, and communications between autonomous vehicles, aircraft, and ground troops in the battlefield. This type of network can operate very well when a fixed communication infrastructure is always unavailable and infeasible. Similar to wireless mesh networks, intensive research in the protocols for MANETs has been conducted for many years; yet, challenges remain. Social computing in wireless networking focuses on the behavior and the social needs of the users in mobile data communication. Mobile users interact with others using their mobile devices based on certain social patterns rather than random, and recent research works have considered how these social behaviors can help users communicate more efficiently through wireless networking systems. In this entry, we first introduce the basic architecture and structure of mobile social networks. Then the potentials and opportunities of this social context computing will be examined in supporting various wireless applications in today’s networks. Challenges and open issues are also identified, and the entry concludes by presenting the existing solutions and future opportunities. Copyright © 2016 CRC Press.