Topology aware MANET for mobile networks

Abstract

Systems and methods provide adaptability in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET), based on an existing protocol, such as adaptive hybrid domain routing (AHDR). The systems and methods are especially suited for fast changing topologies that may change after a reactive route discovery has been completed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method, for sending updates in a mobile ad hoc network, comprising:
 (a) sending a full update every nth update period from each network node; and 
 (b) at update periods other than said nth update period, each of said network nodes: 
 (i) identifying which nodes in the network have corresponding Link Stability Indicator, values that have changed by more than a predetermined threshold amount from an immediately preceding update period, wherein the Link Stability Indicator of a link is a function of one or more past values of Link Congestion Indicator, one or more past values of Link Quality Indicator, one or more past values of Link Stability Indicator, and mobility factors of the nodes forming the link; and 
 (ii) sending, as part of an update message, status information for the identified nodes.