Probabilistic-based message dissemination in ad-hoc and sensor networks using directional antennas

Gossiping is a probabilistic approach to facilitate routing and information dissemination in ad hoc and sensor networks. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of gossip-based protocols using directional antennas. We evaluate different aspects of the directional gossiping protocols: directional gossiping mechanism, network graph type, transceiver antenna mode, et cetera. For instance, we analyze the gossiping performance by using different antenna modes: directional-transmitting with omnidirectional-receiving (D-O) and directional-transmitting with directional-receiving (D-D). We show the appropriate antenna beamwidth range for using different antenna modes. Moreover, we also discuss and compare several directional gossiping extension algorithms. Our work provides novel and valuable insights for using directional antennas in ad hoc and sensor networks.