Multi-topology routing for improved network resource utilization in mobile tactical networks

This paper shows how Multi-Topology routing can be used in highly heterogeneous tactical mobile ad hoc networks to improve the network resource utilization. We suggest the usage of a QoS model where a routing protocol maintains several, distinctive network topologies. Each topology is tailored to support either single or multiple QoS-classes. With this model, traffic flows requiring a QoS-class that cannot be supported end-to-end due to limited resources in the present network topology, can be dropped at the source. This QoS architecture reduces the amount of traffic that is forwarded in the network and then dropped somewhere on the route to the destination due to limited network resources. Consequently, some of the scarce network resources are freed for other flows. We demonstrate this mechanism with test and measurements on a highly heterogeneous lab network.