Application layer multicasting for mobile ad-hoc networks with network layer support

An ad hoc network is composed of mobile nodes without any infrastructure. Mobile nodes dynamically form a temporary network to communicate with each other Applications of mobile ad hoc networks require group oriented services. Hence multicast support is a critical feature for ad hoc networks. In this paper we present an efficient application layer multicast solution suitable for medium mobility applications in the MANET environment. We use network layer support to build the overlay topology closer to the actual network topology. We try to maximize packet delivery ratio and to minimize control overhead. Through simulations we show that the control overhead for our algorithm is within the acceptable limit and it achieves acceptable packet delivery ratio for medium mobility applications.