The use of multiple protocols in multi-hop radio networks

The authors introduce the idea of multiple protocols and illustrate its validity by considering the problem of routing in multihop radio networks. A continuing, simulation-based performance evaluation at Naval Research Laboratory´s (NRL) Distributed Simulation and Prototyping facility shows that overall network performance improves significantly when multiple protocols are switched in response to changing environmental conditions rather than using a single routing protocol. Dynamic conditions illustrated in the simulations are implemented as changes in topological connectivity. Important new issues that arise when multiple protocols are employed are identified for further research