A novel distributed topology control algorithm for ad hoc networks

Topology control for ad hoc networks aims to increase effective network capacity and conserve energy. In this paper we proposed a distributed topology control algorithm for ad hoc networks with directional antennas. The topology is controlled not only by adjusting the transmission powers of nodes but also by changing the antenna's pattern (direction). A node grows its transmission power until it finds some neighbor nodes in every sector of its directional antenna. We also employ two planarized optimizations that further reduce some redundant edges and make the topology as a planar graph eventually. The resulting network topology increases network lifetime by reducing transmission power and decreases traffic interference by having low node degrees. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.