Adaptive message routing for mobile ad hoc networks

Abstract

Domains are formed in a mobile ad hoc network by exchanging topology update messages among neighboring nodes, each message including the node coverage of the originating node. The node having an optimum coverage of its neighbors becomes a domain lead (DL) node, and nodes within hearing distance or range of the DL node form a network domain. Each domain node, including the DL, selects a set of bridge nodes (BNs) that can link the domain node to nodes in corresponding neighboring domains. All domain lead nodes in the network exchange messages to inform one another of the nodes contained in their respective domains. A node in one domain seeking a route for a message destined to a node in another domain, may send a route discovery (RDisc) message to the DL node of the inquiring node's domain. A responsive route resolution (RRes) message is returned to the inquiring node.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention is a directed to a message routing protocol for a mobile ad hoc network (MANET).[0003]2. Discussion of the Known Art[0004]Mobile ad hoc networks or MANETs are self configuring networks in which a number of mobile nodes may interconnect with one another via wireless links. The locations of the nodes with respect to one another, i.e., the topology of the network, may therefore change rapidly particularly when such networks are deployed in emergency situations or in military operations. Early implementations of MANETs were referred to as “packet radio” networks. Today, for example, the so-called “Wi-Fi” wireless protocol specified by IEEE 802.11× also includes an ad-hoc mode that enables message traffic to be handled among a local “cloud” of wireless devices (e.g., Wi-Fi equipped laptops) in the absence of a wired infrastructure.[0005]In a military joint airborne environment, efficient networking requires op...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although the MPRs may help to reduce redundant retransmissions of network updates, a fast changing topology is likely to trigger an excessive number of updates and thus propagate increased control overhead throughout the network.

Like OLSR, ZRP is not readily adaptable to rapid changes in network topology, however.

Although the patent contemplates network routing in a fast changing topology, it requires complex address management, physical partition of subnets, and hardware / spectrum changes.

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