On Supporting Multi-hop Mobile Communications for Virtual Bridged Local Area Networks

• Main Authors: Tain Sao Chang, 張添壽
• Other Authors: Shih Tsung Liang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2002
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/42704963254126623900

碩士 === 大葉大學 === 資訊工程研究所 === 90 === One of the most attractive features of the virtual local area network (VLAN) is the capability to group users from different physical LAN segments into a single broadcast domain. VLANs, thus, facilitate easy administration of logical groups of stations that can communicate as if they were on the same LAN. In addition, Traffic between VLANs is restricted. This in turn limits the propagation of multicast and broadcast traffic between VLANs. These two features make the VLAN more rewarding in a wireless environment where the bandwidth is quite limited and constant moving of the mobile stations are highly anticipated. In this paper, we explore the possibility of combining the concept of multi-hop wireless technique with the VLAN to extend the VLAN scope toward the always on” network environment, including area where there is little/no communication infrastructure, or the existing infrastructure is damaged after a hurricane or earthquake. For supporting such an integration of ad hoc networks with Mobile VLAN (MVLAN), we present in this paper the design of multi-hop MVLAN member tracking mechanism and the frame forwarding protocol. In summary, the achievement of multi-hop MVLAN is twofold. First, through the MVLAN technique, the transparent handoff of mobile stations can be achieved and the network bandwidth can be efficiently and effectively utilized. Second, through the ad hoc networking technique, the VLAN scope can be scaled to include areas where the communication infrastructure is insufficient.