Label routing protocol: a new cross-layer protocol for multi-hop ad hoc wireless networks

Compared to the traditional wireless network, the multi-hop ad hoc wireless network is self-configurable, dynamic, and distributed. During the past few years, many routing protocols have been proposed for this particular network environment. While in wired and optical networks, multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) has clearly shown its advantages in routing and switching such as flexibility, high efficiency, scalability, and low cost. But MPLS is complex and does not consider the mobility issue for wireless networks, especially for ad hoc networks. This paper migrates the label concept into the ad hoc network and provide a framework for the efficient label routing protocol (LRP) in such a network. The MAC layer is also optimized with LRP for shorter delay, power saving, and higher efficiency. With this cross-layer routing protocol, network performance such as throughput, delay, and QoS assignment can be improved significantly.