A routing vector method (RVM) for routing in Bluetooth scatternets

Bluetooth is a promising new technology for short range wireless connectivity between mobile devices. Initially, Bluetooth will be used as a replacement for point to-(multi)point cables. However, in due course of time, solutions for forming multihop ad hoc networks over Bluetooth (referred to as scatternets) will be needed. In this paper, we explore the design space of routing protocols over Bluetooth scatternets. We argue that ad hoc routing protocols for Bluetooth must make a different set off design compromises compared to those being developed by the MANET working group. These differences result primarily from the specific characteristics of the Bluetooth physical and link layer. Our proposed routing method is based on the concept of route vector, which is an efficient method for encoding source route paths in Bluetooth scatternets. We describe the protocols for route discovery and packet forwarding. Our design illustrates three main design compromises, namely minimization of soft-state, protocol simplicity, and bandwidth conservation, all of are crucial for efficient operation over small size Bluetooth scatternets.