Cross-Layer Multi-Hopping Scheme for Efficient and Reliable Transmission in Fading Environment

Multi-hop wireless ad hoc networks suffer from temporary link error due to fading. In order to improve packet transmission reliability and achieve efficient transmission in fading environment, this paper proposes an integrated dynamic multi-hopping scheme based on a cross-layer approach and cognitive behavior of local nodes. The scheme provides two important functions, temporary bypassing and dynamic shortcut, to achieve the goals. The proposed MAC protocol avoids their conflict by giving priority to the shortcut path over the bypass and original passes. Moreover, the transmission reliability can be further improved by triple-path diversity. Packet transmission success probability and average transmission delay were analyzed and evaluated for a basic two-hop model. The results show that the proposed scheme can achieve better transmission reliability with reduced transmission delay, compared with previous multi-hop schemes.