Multidimensional Routing

We present a new perspective on the design and analysis of routing protocols for mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). Routing metrics, such as distances or link states, result in an ordering of nodes in the network with respect to the origin of the metric. The manner in which the nodes of a network are ordered can give some insight into the performance of the routing protocol. We show how the use of multiple metrics, an approach we call multidimensional routing, renders orderings among nodes that result in routing protocols that are efficient, more robust, and resilient to link failures. We explain why some routing protocols are inherently more effective than others, which can serve as guidelines for future development of routing protocols for MANETs.