A MAC Layer Protocol for Priority-based Reliable Multicast in Wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Abstract

RTS-CTS handshake based protocols achieve "reliable unicast" by eliminating the hidden node problem effectively, however, these solutions are not directly or efficiently gener- alizablefor solving the "reliable multicast"problem; multicast remains as a best-effort operation in wireless ad hoc networks. Here, we present a simple, light-weight, and self- stabilizing MAC protocol, namely busy elimination multiple access (BEMA) protocol, for solving the reliable multicast problem. BE MA grants on-demand access to the channel-rather than assigning fixed slots as in TDMA based approaches-and supports prioritization of traffic, thereby providing a useful building block for applications with reliability and quality-of service requirements.