AN EFFECTIVE OPPORTUNISTIC NETWORKING ROUTING PROTOCOL FOR THE WESTERN HIMALAYAS

Abstract

In the field of computer networking, the different computing devices exchange data with each other using connections between nodes, which are devices that originate, route and terminate data. The data links between nodes are established over cable media or wireless media. Opportunistic Networking (OppNet) is one of the most interesting evolutions of MANETs, where mobile nodes are enabled to communicate with each other even if a route connecting them never exists. Typically, the Western Himalayan region has communication challenged remote areas. One of the main challenges in emergency scenarios is the interruption of information flow in the light of either absence or damage to the existing communication infrastructure, to optimise the response and decision making of the concerned authorities. There may be extensive delays or regular disruptions in the connection between network devices. OppNet can be deployed in such situations using mobile devices carried by members of the rescue team and installed sensor devices which form the intermittently connected network which uses opportunistic contacts among nodes to allow bundles of data to jump node-to-node from source towards the destination. A novel energy-aware routing protocol mechanism is hereby proposed with the background of the MaxProp protocol in the field of OppNet, where messages are forwarded based on the node’s remaining battery, delivery predictability and the kind of nodes. The logic is then applied through simulation work over the specific remote geographic area under study - taking example of the Kinnaur region in the Western Himalayas, analysed and compared the performance through results achieved in terms of delivery probability, overhead ratio and average latency among other parameters.