DES-SERT: A framework for structured routing protocol implementation

Routing is a general task, yet the implementation of routing protocols requires specific operating system related knowledge. The developer has to deal with particular kernel internals that might have severe side effects. This is especially true for reactive and hybrid protocols where routing and forwarding are heavily intermixed. Furthermore, novel routing protocols require features that are not provided by current operating systems or have to be customized. Thus routing protocols for mobile ad-hoc networks and wireless mesh networks are often studied in simulation environments. However, simulations have limitations that can result in conclusions that do not hold in real networks. A framework for the implementation of routing protocols in operating systems is required to enable real world oriented research. We introduce the DES Simple and Extensible Routing-Framework for Testbeds (DES-SERT). The framework supports the implementation and evaluation of routing protocols in a testbed environment. A structured protocol implementation is advocated by transmitting data in extensions attached to packets and by its pipeline based architecture. Several steps are elaborated how to derive an implementation from a routing protocol specification.