Hierarchical cluster-based link state routing protocol for large self-organizing networks

Scalability is one of critical challenges for link-state routing protocols in mobile wireless networks. In this context, this paper proposes a proactive link-state protocol based on hierarchical clustering named L-HCLSR. The proposed protocol makes use of clustering algorithm to partition the network and to create a L-levels hierarchical structure of clusters. It uses the structure of clusters to create a virtual backbone useful to broadcast control messages in the entire network. Clustering and virtual structure are used to reduce the routing overhead. Besides, fish eye technique is used to more reduce the routing overhead. We study through simulations the performances of our protocol L-HCLSR with number of level L=1 and L=2, and we compare it to SA-OLSR and F-OLSR protocols. Simulations show that our protocol provides comparable or better performances.