A cross-layer feature for an efficient forwarding strategy in wireless ad hoc networks

In this work, we present a cross-layer forwarding strategy (CLFS), which is based on the cooperation between the new IEEE 802.11e MAC protocol (EDCA) and the on-demand AODV routing protocol. The proposal aims to minimize the number of forwarding nodes (FN) by hop, in the network. By this way, we decrease the contention amount and we improve the medium utilization. The selection of FN is based on maximum battery level and queue occupancy. These informations are injected into routing requests and replies crossing nodes in the network. Then, each node is able to select the FN that will participate in path establishment. In order to maintain a fair node capability, the forwarding procedure is dynamically distributed and assigned to nodes in the network. Moreover, an adaptive transmission opportunity (ATXOP) mechanism is derived from the EDCA. It aims to share the transmission channel fairly according to traffic load of nodes. We demonstrate that CLFS has good network performance, specially in term of throughput that can be significantly improved. Moreover, it achieves a high degree of fairness among applications