Design of a Survivable Packet Radio Network Control Algorithm

Advancements in packet technology have led to the need for more sophisticated network control algorithms suited to the packet environment. This paper describes a new algorithm designed to meet the constraints of a small mobile packet radio network in a tactical environment. Requirements include distributed control, adaptability, and delay minimization while achieving high throughput. Previously proposed algorithms meeting these requirements are not as critically constrained by limited channel capacity. The distributed, minimum-hop algorithm presented here adapts quickly to environmental changes with minimal control packets, hence conserving bandwidth for important information packets. Connectivity information is desseminated throughout the network at a rate proportional to the rate of these changes. In addition, congestion control is incorporated to move packets around congested areas, hence optimizing throughput and delay.