A multipath mobile ad-hoc routing protocol for enhanced reliability in lossy communications

Reliability of communication in unpredictable environments with increased complexity and lossless properties is one of the main objectives in wireless communication technologies. The autonomous nature of Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) classifies them as an effective solution to address emergency situation scenarios, such as rescue or disaster relief operations that take place in hostile and hazardous environments. This paper proposes a multipath approach based on the proactive Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol called RESCUE OLSR (R-OLSR), designed as an initial approach of the EU-ICT RESCUE project. The protocol exploits its capability to identify and transmit data via multiple paths based on two different relay approaches named Simple Relay Routing (SRR) and Advanced Relay Routing (ARR). The protocol's efficiency is substantiated through a simulation scenario within a MANET using the NS-3 simulator. The acquired results indicate that a partial flooding of data increases the probability of receiving correct packets, improving the transmission reliability and routing performance.