Self-Stabilizing Message Routing in Mobile ad hoc Networks

Abstract

We present a self-stabilizing algorithm for routing messages between arbitrary pairs of nodes in a mobile ad hoc network. Our algorithm assumes the availability of a reliable GPS service, which supplies mobile nodes with accurate information about real time and about their own geographical locations. The GPS service provides an external, shared source of consistency for mobile nodes, allowing them to label and timestamp messages, and thereby aiding in recovery from failures. Our algorithm utilizes a Virtual Infrastructure programming abstraction layer, consisting of mobile client nodes, virtual stationary timed machines called Virtual Stationary Automata (VSAs), and a local broadcast service connecting VSAs and mobile clients. VSAs are associated with predetermined regions in the plane, and are emulated in a self-stabilizing manner by the mobile nodes. VSAs are relatively stable in the face of node mobility and failure, and can be used to simplify algorithm development for mobile networks. Our routing algorithm consists of three subalgorithms: [(1)] a VSA-to-VSA geographical routing algorithm, [2] a mobile client location management algorithm, and [3] the main algorithm, which utilizes both location management and geographical routing. All three subalgorithms are self-stabilizing, and consequently, the entire algorithm is also self-stabilizing.