This document summarizes a dissertation defense on multi-hop ad hoc networking and applications like MANET and VANET. The dissertation studied challenges in general multi-hop networks, proposed a new vehicular network architecture using mobility prediction, and conducted experiments comparing real networks to simulations. It explored routing protocols, cross-layer interactions, and applications like streaming video over multi-hop wireless networks. Future work is outlined on system design, algorithm analysis, and wireless resource scheduling for vehicular networks.