Comparative analysis of Ad Hoc multi-path update techniques for multimedia applications

Abstract

Multi-path transmission in ad-hoc networks provides higher bandwidth and better guarantee on packet delivery than the traditional single shortest-path method. This is important to multimedia applications since processing of data packets is sensitive to error and delay. Current ad-hoc protocols are classified as either proactive or reactive. Reactive protocols are more suitable for optimizing path selection than proactive protocols. Among a set of reactive protocols, DSR (Dynamic Source Routing) is the most commonly used protocol for multi-path transmission. However DSR lacks the ability to give a constant update on backup multi-paths. The aim of this comparative study is to investigate existing path updating techniques and incorporate them on backup multi-path update. Multicast, unicast and hello broadcast are compared analytically and tested on ns-2. The result of the simulated test has shown that an extension of AODV’s hello broadcast gives the best overall performance.