WSNp1-1: M-TORA: a TORA-Based Multi-Path Routing Algorithm for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

In this paper we present M-TORA, a new multi-path routing protocol based on temporally-ordered routing algorithm (TORA) for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). Although TORA is a highly adaptive distributed routing algorithm, it can not make the most use of multiple paths which are already built and maintained in the process of route creation. We designed M-TORA for unleashing the potential power of multiple paths and optimizing performance of classical TORA. According to the modification of Internet MANET encapsulation protocol (IMEP), a node can spread its MAC layer information to its neighbors. The MAC information and the route hop count will be used in the calculation of route selection probability when a node has multiple paths to the destination. By using the probability routing algorithm, M-TORA can spread the network overload to multiple routing paths, which will lead to automatic load balancing. In simulation based on OPNET we show that M-TORA can outperform classical TORA in decreasing packet end-to-end delay, improving network packet delivery ratio and achieving fair node´s local energy consumption.