The report describes several market scenarios and provides market estimates for the following ad hoc network markets. The report is also exploring new technologies unencumbered by Internet Protocols (IP) that could be the key to enabling large ad hoc networks.
WiFi Ad Hoc Networks for Emergency Communications
Each and every cell phone today can work as a hotspot or router. In the case of an emergency situation when cellular networks are disabled, citizens, through their cell phones and a dedicated app, can form large-scale ad hoc networks in the densely populated urban areas to facilitate communication between themselves, emergency control centers and first responders.
Rapid Deployment Wifi Networks
Event organizers are increasingly leaning on the rapid deployment of ad hoc WiFi networks instead of relying on those provided by the venue. Ad hoc approach provides better flexibility in establishing communications for any convention with specific demands for coverage, network management, and security. Telecom equipment and services companies, having recognized the trend, compete to supply easily customizable and flexible packages, including network equipment and management tools. This segment presents multiple opportunities for small and medium firms in planning, installing and servicing rapid deployment ad hoc WiFi networks. There also huge opportunities for startup companies in developing new features and apps for this dynamically evolving market segment.
Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs)
Troops operating in forward locations without telecommunication infrastructure often rely on a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) to communicate and share data. The communication devices troops use on foot or in vehicles double as nodes on the mobile network. A constraint with current MANETs is they can only scale to around 50 nodes before network services become ineffective. For the past 20 years, researchers have unsuccessfully used Internet-based concepts in attempts to significantly scale MANETs.
“A MANET of a thousand nodes could support an entire battalion without the need for manual network setup, management and maintenance that comes from ‘switchboard’-era communications,” said Mark Rich, DARPA Program Manager. “This could provide more troops with robust services such as real-time video imagery, enhanced situational awareness and other services that we have not yet imagined.” Although the Internet facilitated far-reaching technical advances, in this technology area the Internet may be the roadblock. The MANET scaling goals will not be satisfied with incremental improvement using existing protocols and concepts. Truly revolutionary ideas will explore new paradigms that allow users to effectively share information unshackled from existing constraints.
The report provides detailed year-by-year forecasts and covers the ad hoc network market segments by technology, software, hardware and services, missions, apps and verticals.
