Wireless Network Design Optimized for Military Operations in Degraded Littoral Environments Using Link Layer Error Detection Mechanisms
Abstract
Mobile ad-hoc networking (MANET) is a wireless technology to link autonomous, mobile computers that are free to move randomly, organize themselves arbitrarily and leave or enter the network on-the-fly. Two areas of interest have been identified and studied: the effect of environmental factors on MANET performance, and methods to improve performance by faster identification of broken links. In MANET, the physical channel is affected by environmental conditions such as sea state and physical barriers that increase the frequency of link failures and degrade network performance. Link Layer Detection (LLD), a subroutine designed to identify broken node links, can potentially improve a network's performance, but the current standard does not utilize LLD. This study examines, through computer simulations, the hypothesis that LLD will improve the simulated overall network performance. In an analysis of over five thousand simulations, LLD was found to improve performance in simulated environments approximating ideal propagation conditions. However, simulated environmental degrade decreased the performance advantages of using LLD. A break point, beyond which operation with LLD failed to yield superior performance, was identified. Design criteria for improved LLD methods, representing potential improvements in network routing with particular application to military operations, are proposed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA416298
Entities
People
- Nathan A. Fleischaker
Organizations
- United States Naval Academy