A multicast routing technique for tactical networks

Providing integrated network functionality in VHF tactical networks has been problematic for many years. Modern MANET routing techniques can swamp the limited bandwidth of ground-based tactical networks while legacy techniques are inefficient. In this paper, we expand on our previous work using a cross-layered approach and propose a new technique for Multicast Enhanced Opportunistic Routing (MEOR). MEOR makes per-packet forwarding decisions based only on pre-set domain knowledge, information from lower layers, and information encoded in individual packets. Because this technique does not build or maintain any topology state, it has no network layer overhead. MEOR has been simulated in Qualnet and compared to Simplified Multicast Forwarding (SMF), classic flooding, and local broadcast in large and small tactical scenarios. MEOR was found superior in terms of packet delivery rates and overhead.