Optimization to multicasting protocol in unidirectional ad-hoc networks

This paper proposes an optimization as an extension to a swarm-like styled, collaborative multicast routing protocol designed for unidirectional ad-hoc networks - called MUNet. MUNet is inspired by swarm intelligence and further motivated by collaboration discovery. The concept of spatial locality suggests the use of neighbor nodes for network resilience (i.e. path self-healing and shortening.) Potential link breakage can be prevented collaboratively by reinforcing neighbor nodes, prior to any costly time-consuming link recovery. Critical path is shortened when exists. In unidirectional ad-hoc networks where essential feedback does not exist at the MAC layer, neighbor collaboration, while increasing network resilience, can adversely affect the overall routing performance. In order to improve routing efficiency and resource utilization, the optimization applies a heuristic feature into the original MUNet protocol. Instantaneously determined by local control traffic density, a node probabilistically sets a level of its responsiveness to participate in the routing protocol maintenance. Compared with the original MUNet and ODMRP using GlomoSim, the proposed optimization mechanism shows a significant reduction on routing overhead along with an improvement on protocol effectiveness.