The pulse protocol: mobile ad hoc network performance evaluation

We present a performance evaluation of the pulse protocol operating in a peer-to-peer mobile ad hoc network environment. The pulse protocol utilizes a periodic flood (the pulse) initiated by the pulse source to provide both routing and synchronization to the network. This periodic pulse forms a proactively updated spanning tree rooted at the pulse source. Nodes communicate by forwarding packets through this tree. The main disadvantage of this tree traversal routing is that the paths are less direct than traditional shortest path routing. However, in exchange, drastically increased scalability with respect to mobility, number of flows and node density is achieved. In addition, nodes are able to synchronize with the periodic pulse, allowing idle nodes to power off their radios a large percentage of the time when they are not required for packet forwarding. This results in substantial energy savings. Through simulation we explore the performance of the protocol with respect to packet delivery ratio, delay and energy efficiency in peer-to-peer mobile ad hoc networks.