Real-world Bluetooth MANET Java Middleware

TR-2009-120, Authors: Michael Nielsen, Arne John Glenstrup, Frederik Skytte and Arnar Guðnason

Abstract

We present BEDnet, a Java based middleware for creating and maintaining a Bluetooth based mobile ad-hoc network (MANET). MANETs are key to nomadic computing: Mobile units can set up spontaneous local networks when needed, removing the need for fixed network infrastructure, either as wireless access points or wired LAN. This allows for simple sharing of services (Internet access, media storage, databases, etc.) and resources (printers, scanners, GPS units, etc.). Application areas include nomadic offices, field workers' applications, in-home gaming; situations where mobile units are brought together for the duration of the task at hand.

Based on the low-cost Bluetooth chip which is ubiquitous in handheld units, existing Bluetooth technology provides just piconets: star-shaped networks of up to eight units within a limited range of typically ten meters. BEDnet connects piconets into a scatternet, thus exceeding the eight devices and ten meters limits for spontaneous networking.

While algorithms for Bluetooth scatternet formation and routing have been studied extensively, to the best of our knowledge, BEDnet is the first implementation of Bluetooth scatternet middleware running on real mobile phones. Based on the Java JSR-82 specification, BEDnet is portable to a wide selection of mobile phones, and is publicly available as open source software.

Experiments show that e.g. media streaming over Bluetooth is feasible, and that BEDnet is able to set up a scatternet within a couple of minutes. Surprisingly, experiments showed that structured scatternet topologies are not significantly better than an ad hoc master/slave mesh topology. Experimental results also indicate that for routing a Bluetooth MANET, DSDV is more efficient than AODV, as DSDV requires less processing time per packet.

Technical report TR-2009-120 in IT University Technical Report Series, October 2009.