The DARPA packet radio network protocols

In this paper we describe the current state of the DARPA packet radio network. Fully automated algorithms and protocols to organize, control, maintain, and move traffic through the packet radio network have been designed, implemented, and tested. By means of protocols, networks of about 50 packet radios with some degree of nodal mobility can be organized and maintained under a fully distributed mode of control. We have described the algorithms and illustrated how the PRNET provides highly reliable network transport and datagram service, by dynamically determining optimal routes, effectively controlling congestion, and fairly allocating the channel in the face of changing link conditions, mobility, and varying traffic loads.