Network layer link management using signal strength for ad-hoc networks

In this paper, we present and analyse a link management technique for pro-active routing protocols for ad-hoc networks. This mechanism is based on signal strength hence cross layer approach is used. The hysteresis mechanism provided by OLSR is improved upon by using signal strength in combination with the hello loss based hysteresis. Thus it now takes into account temporal as well as signal strength stability of a link. This not only makes the link management more robust but also helps in anticipating link breakages thereby greatly improving performance.