Spreadable Connected Autonomic Networks (SCAN)

A Spreadable Connected Autonomic Network (SCAN) is a mobile network that automatically maintains its own connectivity as nodes move. The authors envision SCANs to enable a diverse set of applications such as self-spreading mesh networks and robotic search and rescue systems. This paper describes their experiences developing a prototype robotic SCAN built from commercial, off-the-shelf hardware, to support such applications. A major contribution of their work is the development of a protocol, called SCAN1, which maintains network connectivity by enabling individual nodes to determine when they must constrain their mobility in order to avoid disconnecting the network.