Scalability features of the WNaN routing protocol

The Wireless Networking After Next (WNaN) radio is a handheld-sized radio that delivers unicast, multicast, and disruption-tolerant traffic in networks of hundreds of radios. This paper addresses scalability of the network from the routing control traffic point of view. Starting from a basic version of an existing mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) proactive link-state routing protocol, we describe the enhancements that were necessary to provide good performance in these conditions. We focus on techniques to reduce control traffic while maintaining route integrity. We present simulation results from 250-node mobile networks demonstrating the effectiveness of the routing mechanisms. Any MANET with design parameters and constraints similar to the WNaN radio will benefit from these improvements.