A new cluster-based link state routing for mobile ad hoc networks

Scalability is one of critical challenges for link-state routing protocols in mobile wireless networks. Reducing routing overhead is the key to resolve the scalability problem. In this context, we propose a new link state routing protocol named CLSR. It uses clustering to reduce the routing overhead and the size of routing table. It introduces one level hierarchy in the network and it applies proactive link state approach inside as well as outside clusters. We study through simulations the performances of our protocol CLSR, and we compare it to F-OLSR, OLSR-Tree and SA-OLSR protocols. Simulations show that our protocol provides comparable or better performances in term of the generated routing overhead and the data packets delivery ratio.