Regenerating nodes for real-time transmissions in multi-hop wireless networks

The paper extends the analysis of a novel data link layer mechanism introduced in our previous work for real-time service provisioning in multi-hop wireless networks. To combat packet loss along unreliable paths connecting the source with the destination, (i) packet transmissions are distributed along the multiple paths connecting joint nodes and (ii) the redundancy packets are utilized to recover the lost packets on these intermediate connections. The regenerating nodes (RNs), where the actual packet loss recovery is performed in the network, minimize the accumulated number of lost packets at the destination. This joint application of packet level forward error control (FEC) and multiple path routing allows the requirements of real-time transmissions, such as fixed delays and guaranteed packet loss rate (PLR), to be met. The proposed scheme achieves load balancing along the multiple paths which are chosen for packet forwarding based on their PLR. The scheme is sufficiently flexible to accommodate various constraints for delay and reliability that can be tailored to the specific applications. Monte Carlo simulations demonstrate the robust performance of the proposed scheme in different topology and PLR scenarios, with special attention given to the choice of the RN positions in the network.