Layered routing algorithm for sustainable MANET operation

In this paper a routing algorithm for MANETs is presented, based on the formation of servicing zones and determination of nodes in these zones as default gateways. The idea behind this approach is to gain power efficiency and sustainability of the network. The proposed approach reduces the overall number of broadcasts in the network and ensures a reliable and energy efficient connection, by balancing the load among the nodes. The algorithm could be considered as a hybrid type of routing mechanism, incorporating multipath hop-by-hop distributed routing. We apply a time slot based self-organizing and self-routing approach by the application of a network model with universal basic node properties. For each node we define two functional and one generic property. The algorithm has the logic of non-cooperative routing based on the evaluation of the defined basic properties of the nodes. The major advantages of the algorithm are related to the complexity and the reduced overall routing cost, especially in higher density networks.