Getting MANETs to Communicate Efficiently: An Analysis of Mobile Ad Hoc Network Routing Schemes in Tactical Communications
Abstract
Warfighting based on Commander s Intent and Mission Tactics will remain the foundation of command and control, but the information structure that supports Marine Corps tactical units will continuously undergo changes based on developments in information technology. Mobile Ad Hoc Networking is one of the information technology developments that the Marine Corps is currently studying. Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) are infrastructureless, highly mobile communications and their multi-hop routing capabilities have the potential to reliably and robustly extend existing networks to the tactical edge. There are many challenges to MANET implementation however, including management of the dynamic physical topology, and the efficient use of limited spectral and energy resources. One platform being tested by the Marine Corps utilizes a time-division multiple access (TDMA) scheme combined with Barrage Relaying to ensure robust communications. Other schemes for MANETs employ intelligent-routing protocols. This thesis examines those protocols and identifies the parameters needed to implement a tactical MANET routing scheme. The findings of this research advance understanding of MANETs and the elements necessary to enable their use in support of tactical communications; bringing the Marine Corps closer to its goal of lightweight and efficient tactical communications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA583464
Entities
People
- Garry M. Colbert
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School