RandomCast: An Energy-Efficient Communication Scheme for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

In mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), every node overhears every data transmission occurring in its vicinity and thus, consumes energy unnecessarily. However, since some MANET routing protocols such as dynamic source routing (DSR) collect route information via overhearing, they would suffer if they are used in combination with 802.11 PSM. Allowing no overhearing may critically deteriorate the performance of the underlying routing protocol, while unconditional overhearing may offset the advantage of using PSM. This paper proposes a new communication mechanism, called RandomCast, via which a sender can specify the desired level of overhearing, making a prudent balance between energy and routing performance. In addition, it reduces redundant rebroadcasts for a broadcast packet, and thus, saves more energy. Extensive simulation using NS-2 shows that RandomCast is highly energy-efficient compared to conventional 802.11 as well as 802.11 PSM-based schemes, in terms of total energy consumption, energy goodput, and energy balance.