An Optimized Internetworking Strategy of MANET and WLAN∗

Abstract. In this paper, we propose internetworking strategy of WLAN and MANET. Both WLAN and MANET are based on IEEE 802.11 for MAC layer protocol while they adopt different mode, such as infrastructure and ad-hoc. To support internetworking between different IEEE 802.11 modes, switching algo-rithm on mobile node is proposed. This algorithm is mainly affected by user’s preference, not only by signal strength. For MANET routing protocol, OLSR is employed, which is a proactive protocol and has optimally reduced signal broadcasting overhead. The effect of distances between a mobile node and MANET Gateway which is a link to WLAN is proved when the mobile node resides on MANET. Also, latencies between handoff from WLAN to MANET and handoff from MANET to WLAN are compared.