Network utility maximization-based Mobile Ad hoc Networking: A reality check

In this paper we present a network utility maximization (NUM)-based architecture developed under the defense advanced research projects agency (DARPA) control-based mobile ad hoc networking (CBMANET) program, namely mobility-aware resource coordination for optimization of networking infrastructure (MARCONI). MARCONI plays a fundamental role not only in advancing NUM theory to address tactical communication requirements but also in developing and integrating the algorithms and decision rules into a software stack. NUM theory was originally limited to unicast, elastic, long-lived flows. Therefore, it was imperative to extend it to inelastic flows with strict deadlines (e.g. video & voice). MARCONI has also developed and integrated the joint routing and admission control protocol (JRAP) for unicast flows, regulated-contention MAC (RC-MAC) which controls the contention window using backpressure signals for a 2-hop neighborhood and, finally, per flow queuing (PFQ) packet scheduler congestion control using backpressure signaling. MARCONI has revealed key insights into designing NUM-based networking stacks, e.g. the limitations of maximizing rate utility irrespective of communication reliability.