An Efficient Intranet Networking Solution for Airborne Networks

We illustrate a novel wireless intranet networking protocol providing the flexibility and efficiency needed to operate in airborne environments. A critical component of this protocol is an efficient mobile ad-hoc networking (MANET) design, known as adaptive hybrid domain routing (AHDR) protocol, devised primarily for airborne networking. We describe the driving networking requirements and tradeoffs, protocol architecture, and measured and simulated performance. The MANET element in this protocol is composed of a strategic combination of proactive and reactive algorithms. It provides updated route information for neighbor nodes and offers optimized route resolution for unknown routes in a fast-changing topology. The set of optimization parameters for making routing decisions is configurable via a network management module. The selection of the best route, data rate, transmission power, message format, frame length, and transmission time is distributed and depends on real-time optimization parameters