GAMLL: Gateway Assisted Multicast Algorithm Towards Low Latency for Wireless Mesh Networks

As streaming media services in wireless networks become popular, it is necessary to study new multicast algorithms with low latency to meet real-time requirements. Wireless mesh networks (WMNs) offer potential solutions to problems of streaming media services. This paper proposes a new two-tier architecture assisted by gateways for WMNs. Based on this architecture, multicast tree establishment algorithm with bandwidth prediction model is introduced, in which links with better bandwidth conditions will be chosen as tree branches to shorten latency to the largest extent. Furthermore, routing algorithm called Gateway Assisted Multicast Algorithm towards Low Latency for Wireless Mesh Networks (GAMLL) is designed to support real-time streaming media services, in which routing maintenance and recovery is also discussed. Simulation results show GAMLL with prediction model works better in VoIP and video transmission services than On-Demand Multicast Routing Protocol (ODMRP), which has relative low latency in wireless networks. Compared to ODMRP, GAMLL reduces average latency and maximum latency by up to 28% and 52% respectively.