Optimized NDN Forwarding in Tactical Networks with Asymmetric Radio Links

Abstract

Named Data Networking (NDN) promotes a data-centric approach for content distribution by uncoupling the data from hosts and its location in the network. Initially targeting wired networks, the NDN extension to constrained wireless and error prone environments raises several concerns. In this paper we propose NDN-FASYM, a forwarding solution that efficiently copes with links asymmetry, a common challenge in wireless networks and in particular in military deployments. With NDN-FASYM, a node filters Interest messages for a particular data and forwards them only if the reverse link (from the receiver to the sender) is capable to ensure the Quality of Service (QoS) requested by the data. Our validation over a real testbed deployment shows that our solution is able to successfully satisfy the data QoS request and reduces the overhead in terms of sent information in the network. Interestingly, NDN-FASYM requires limited additions to legacy implementations and maintains backward compatibility with NDN standard specifications.