Multicast routing in mobile ad hoc networks by using a multiagent system

Multicast routing in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) poses several challenges due to inherent characteristics of the network such as node mobility, reliability, scarce resources, etc. This paper proposes an Agent Based Multicast Routing Scheme (ABMRS) in MANETs, which uses a set of static and mobile agents. Five types of agents are used in the scheme: Route manager static agent, Network initiation mobile agent, Network management static agent, Multicast initiation mobile agent and Multicast management static agent. The scheme operates in the following steps: (1) to identify reliable nodes; (2) to connect reliable nodes through intermediate nodes; (3) to construct a backbone for multicasting using reliable nodes and intermediate nodes; (4) to join multicast group members to the backbone; (5) to perform backbone and group members management in case of mobility. The scheme has been simulated in various network scenarios to test operation effectiveness in terms of performance parameters such as packet delivery ratio, control overheads and group reliability. Also, a comparison of proposed scheme with MAODV (Multicast Ad hoc on-demand Distance Vector) protocol is presented. ABMRS performs better than MAODV as observed from the simulation. ABMRS offers flexible and adaptable multicast services and also supports component based software development.