An Optimized Polymorphic Hybrid Multicast Routing Protocol (OPHMR) for Ad Hoc Networks

We propose in this paper, an optimized, polymorphic, hybrid multicast routing protocol for MANET. The protocol proposed is based on the principle of adaptability and multi-behayioral modes of operations. It is able to change behavior in different situations in order to improve certain metrics like maximizing battery life, reducing communication delays, improving deliverability, etc. This new polymorphic protocol attempts to benefit of the high efficiency of proactive behavior and the low cost of network traffic of the reactive behavior, while being power, mobility and vicinity density aware. The protocol is augmented by an optimization scheme, adapted from the one proposed for the optimized link state routing protocol (OLSR) in which only selected neighbor nodes propagate control packets to reduce the amount of control overhead. Extensive simulations and comparison to peer protocols demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed protocol in improving performance and in extending battery power longevity.