Route-lifetime assessment based routing (RABR) protocol for mobile ad-hoc networks

Owing to the absence of any static support structure, ad-hoc networks are prone to link failures. The 'shortest path seeking' routing protocols may not lead to stable routes. The consequent route failures that ensue, lead to the degradation of system throughput. This paper suggests a routing protocol wherein the route selection is done on the basis of an intelligent residual lifetime assessment of the candidate routes. Schemes for performance enhancement with TCP and non-TCP traffic in ad-hoc networks are proposed. The protocol is backed by simulations in ns that show excellent adaptation to increasing network mobility. We have also introduced new route cache management and power aware data transmission schemes.