Highly-Dynamic Airborne Ad Hoc Networking

Highly-dynamic mobile-wireless networks present unique challenges to end-to-end communication, particularly caused by the time varying connectivity of high-velocity nodes combined with the unreliability of the wireless communication channel. Addressing these challenges requires the design of new protocols and mechanisms specific to this environment. We are developing a new domain-specific protocol suite for telemetry networks (TmNS) in the aeronautical test environment consisting of:

• AeroTP TCP-friendly transport protocol
• AeroNP IP-compatible network protocol
• AeroRP location-assisted routing protocol

Our research explores the tradeoffs in the location of functionality such as error control and location management for high-velocity multihop airborne sensor networks and presents cross-layer optimizations between the MAC, link, network, and transport layers to enable a domain specific network architecture, which provides high reliability for telemetry applications.

Sensor data is returned multihop from airborne test articles (TA) moving at speeds up to Mach 3.5 to the ground stations (GS) that track them with high-power directional antennaæ. This means that the contact time between TAs with a closing velocities of Mach 7 may be as low as 10 seconds. Relay nodes (RN) improve multihop performance and location predictability. The telemetry network is connected to the Internet via gateways (GW).

Project activities

AeroTP TCP-Friendly End-to-End Transport

AeroTP Data Unit Structure (preliminary)

source port				destination port
sequence number
timestamp
mode	resv	ECN	TCP flags	TP HEC CRC-16
payload
payoad CRC 32

We are designing and evaluating a new domain-specific transport protocol AeroTP, which is targeted for the aeronautical T&E environment while being TCP-friendly to allow seamless splicing with conventional TCP at the TmNS network edge in the GS and on the TA. Thus we will transport TCP and UDP through the TmNS, but in an efficient manner that meets the goals of this environment. AeroTP has several operational modes that support different service classes: reliable, nearly-reliable, quasi-reliable, best-effort connections, and best-effort datagrams. The first of these is fully TCP compatible, the last fully UDP compatible, and the others TCP-friendly with reliability semantics matching the needs of the mission and capabilities of the TmNS. The AeroTP header is designed to permit efficient translation between TCP/UDP and AeroTP using a gateway.

AeroTP ns-3 model

AeroNP IP-Compatible Network Protocol

AeroNP Packet Structure (preliminary)

version	CI	type	priority	protocol		ECN|DSCP
source TA MAC address				destination TA MAC address
next hop TA MAC address				source dev ID		dest dev ID
source TA location (optional)				destination TA location (optional)
length				NP HEC CRC-16
AeroTP payload

AeroNP is an IP-compatible network layer with the additional functionality needed for iNET. Since the iNET MAC is based on TDM, an AeroNP packet is inserted directly into a TDM slot, and thus contains the iNET MAC addresses: source, destination, and next hop. Significant efficiency can be gained if the AeroNP header doesn't carry the 32-bit source and destination IP addresses (or the even worse 128-bit addresses for IPv6). By performing an ARP-like address translation process, the IP address can be mapped between iNET MAC addresses in the gateway. However, each TA can have multiple peripherals, each of which has an IP address. Therefore, we include a device id field in the header, and the 〈MAC-address, device-id〉 tuple is mapped to an IP address at the gateway. While dynamic mapping procedures are possible, it will be more efficient to preload the translation table at the beginning of each test. Optionally, source and destination location is included, which can be the GPS coordinates that are used in location aware routing.

AeroRP Geolocation-Assisted Routing

Existing routing protocol mechanisms are not directly applicable to the TmNS for T&E purposes. Reactive routing protocols such as AODV and DSR are not suitable because of the delay involved in finding paths on-demand and such paths may not be valid for a long duration on a highly dynamic network. On the other hand, proactive routing protocols such as DSDV and OLSR incur excessive overhead due to frequent route updates and is not suitable for a bandwidth constrained telemetry network. We propose a proactive routing protocol that leverages location information combined with limited updates to build a next-hop routing table. However, we are aware of the security concerns in disseminating location information and hence consider several alternatives.

AeroRP ns-3 model

Cross-Layer Optimisations

We expect that there will be significant benefits by employing cross-layer optimizations not only among AeroTP and AeroNP, but also with the iNET MAC and PHYs. Therefore, we are investigating the tradeoffs in type and strength of FEC at the PHY layer with respect to channel conditions and BER (bit error rate), as well as optimizing TDM parameters and slot assignment based on the transfer mode of AeroTP and QoS parameters (precedence and service type) of AeroNP. Furthermore, the quasi-reliable mode of Aero-TP erasure codes across multiple TA-GS paths when available, requiring coordination of GS and iNET MAC slot assignment with AeroNP routing and AeroTP transport. Finally, the support for multicast and broadcast requires coordination of AeroNP routing with the broadcast capabilities of the iNET MAC.

Related Projects and Links

iNET: Integrated Network Enhanced Telemetry

Presentations and Publications

Papers

Justin P. Rohrer, Abdul Jabbar, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, Erik Perrins, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Highly-Dynamic Cross-Layered Aeronautical Network Architecture”,
IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems (TAES),
vol.47 iss.4, pp. 2742–2765, October 2011.
BibTeX

Keywords: Aeronautical Network, Mobile Airborne, Highly-dynamic wireless, Disruption-Tolerant Transport Protocol, Dynamic Ad Hoc Routing, Cross-layer optimization, AeroTP, AeroRP, AeroNP, AeroGW, DTN, MANET

Abstract: Highly dynamic wireless environments present unique challenges to end-to-end communication networks, caused by the time varying connectivity of high-velocity nodes combined with the unreliability of the wireless communication channel. Such conditions are found in a variety of networks, including those used for tactical communications and used for aeronautical telemetry. Addressing these challenges requires the design of new protocols and mechanisms specific to this environment. In this paper we present a new domain-specific architecture and protocol suite, including cross- layer optimizations between the physical, MAC, network, and transport layers. This provides selectable reliability for multiple applications within highly mobile tactical airborne networks. Our contributions for this environment include the TCP-friendly transport protocol, AeroTP; the IP-compatible network layer, AeroNP; and the geolocation aware routing protocol AeroRP. Through simulations we show significant performance improvement over the traditional TCP/IP/MANET protocol stack.

Mohammed J.F. Alenazi, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, Justin P. Rohrer, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Implementation of the AeroRP and AeroNP Protocols in Python”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2012,
San Diego, CA, October 2012 (to appear).
BibTeX

Keywords: AeroRP, AeroNP, MANET implementation, Python

Abstract: The domain-specific ANTP protocol suite consisting of AeroTP, AeroRP, and AeroNP has been developed to cope with the challenges in highly-dynamic airborne telemetry networks. These protocols have been designed and modelled through simulation methodology. In this paper, we present an implementation of the AeroRP and AeroNP components in Python. Initially, we implement and test through an emulated wireless environment on the PlanetLab testbed. Further, we present our prototype implementation that is deployed in a real-world wireless environment using radio-controlled vehicles.

Santosh Ajith Gogi, Dongsheng Zhang 张东升, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, Justin P. Rohrer, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Implementation of the AeroTP Transport Protocol in Python”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2012,
San Diego, CA, October 2012 (to appear).
BibTeX

Keywords: AeroTP, FEC, ARQ, Python implementation

Abstract: The aeronautical transport protocol AeroTP addresses the challenges of end-to-end communication in highly dynamic airborne telemetry network environment. The protocol has multiple modes: reliable, near-reliable, quasi-reliable, unreliable connection, and unreliable datagram. We present our Python implementation of reliability modes that provide end-to-end error control. The results of preliminary experiments conducted on Linux systems using AeroTP quasi-reliable mode are comparable to simulation results.

Kamakshi Sirisha Pathapati, Justin P. Rohrer, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Comparison of Adaptive Transport Layer Error-Control Mechanisms for Highly-Dynamic Airborne Telemetry Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2012,
San Diego, CA, October 2012 (to appear).
BibTeX

Keywords: AeroTP, Hybrid-ARQ

Abstract: Transport protocols in highly-dynamic airborne networks call for adaptive error-control mechanisms to provide efficient error detection and recovery. Due to the highly dynamic nature of these networks and short contact durations between the nodes, the AeroTP protocol uses an adaptive multi-mode mechanism to provide a varying degree of reliable services to the application data. The two fundamental error-control mechanisms include an end-to-end ARQ mechanism to provide complete reliability in the AeroTP reliable mode and an end-to-end FEC mechanism to provide statistical reliability in the AeroTP quasi-reliable mode. In this paper, we present our implementation of hybrid-ARQ mechanism in ns-3 to improve the throughput and delay performance of the AeroTP protocol. We also compare and analyze the performance of hybrid-ARQ against the different AeroTP modes, TCP, and UDP protocols.

Nguyễn Ngọc Trúc Anh, Siddharth Gangadhar, Greeshma Umapathi, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Performance Evaluation of the AeroTP Protocol in Comparison to TCP NewReno, TCP Westwood, and SCPS-TP”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2012,
San Diego, CA, October 2012 (to appear).
BibTeX

Keywords: AeroTP

Abstract: Due to the unique characteristics of highly dynamic airborne telemetry environments, TCP when deployed in such networks suffers significant performance degradation. Given the limitations of TCP, the AeroTP opportunistic transport protocol with multiple reliability modes has been developed to specifically address the issues posed by telemetry networks. In our previous work, the different modes of AeroTP have been simulated and tested using the open source ns-$3$ network simulator. In this paper, we use ns-$3$ to evaluate the overall performance of AeroTP by comparing it with well-studied TCP variants: the widely-deployed TCP NewReno and TCP Westwood designed for wireless environments. Since space networks share many similar characteristics with telemetry environments, we also compare AeroTP with SCPS-TP.

Mohammed J.F. Alenazi, Cenk Sahin, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Design Improvement and Implementation of 3D Gauss-Markov Mobility Model”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2012,
San Diego, CA, October 2012 (to appear).
BibTeX

Keywords: Gauss-Markov mobility model

Abstract: The current ns-3 implementation of the 3D Gauss-Markov mobility model (3D-GMMM) allows mobile nodes to reach and bounce off the simulation boundaries. This causes sudden and unnatural movement of the nodes in the vicinity of the simulation boundaries. In this paper, we present a modification to the current ns-3 implementation of the 3D-GMMM. We follow an approach in which mobile nodes are directed toward the center of the simulation region at a random angle if they are within a certain distance from the simulation boundaries. As the simulation results show, the improved ns-3 implementation of 3D-GMMM prevents mobile nodes from reaching the simulation boundaries while resulting in smooth movement.

Hemanth Narra, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Performance Analysis of AeroRP with Ground Station Advertisements”,
ACM MobiHoc Workshop on Airborne Networks and Communications,
Hilton Head Island, SC, June 2012, pp. 43–47.
BibTeX

Keywords: geographic routing, AeroRP, aeronautical networks, ns-3 simulation, disruption-tolerant network (DTN)

Abstract: Data transmission in highly-dynamic airborne networks is challenging, thus domain-specific routing protocols are necessary. AeroRP is one such protocol designed to operate in disruption-tolerant networks. Its multi-modal design enables it to operate in varying mission requirements. In this paper, we discuss the operation of various AeroRP modes and analyse their performance using the ns-3 network simulator. We compare the performance of beacon, beaconless, and ground station (GS) modes of AeroRP. The simulation results show the advantages of having a domain-specific routing protocol and also highlight the importance of ground station advertisements to disseminate geolocation information in discovering routes.

Justin P. Rohrer, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, Hemanth Narra, Dan Broyles, Kevin Peters, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“AeroRP Performance in Highly-Dynamic Airborne Networks using 3D Gauss-Markov Mobility Model”,
Proceedings of IEEE Military Communications Conference (MILCOM'11),
Baltimore, MD, November 2011, pp. 834–841.
BibTeX

Keywords: Gauss-Markov mobility model; Disruption-tolerant networks; Heterogeneous networks; Mobile ad hoc networks;

Abstract: Emerging airborne networks require domain-specific routing protocols to cope with the challenges faced by the highly-dynamic aeronautical environment. We present an ns-3 based performance comparison of the AeroRP protocol with conventional MANET routing protocols. To simulate a highly-dynamic airborne network, accurate mobility models are needed for the physical movement of nodes. The fundamental problem with many synthetic mobility models is their random, memoryless behavior. Airborne ad hoc networks require a flexible memory-based 3-dimensional mobility model. Therefore, we have implemented a 3-dimensional Gauss-Markov mobility model in ns-3 that appears to be more realistic than memoryless models such as random waypoint and random walk. Using this model, we are able to simulate the airborne networking environment with greater realism than was previously possible and show that AeroRP has several advantages over other MANET routing protocols.

Mohammed Alenazi, Santosh Ajith Gogi, Dongsheng Zhang 张东升, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, Justin P. Rohrer, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“ANTP Protocol Suite Software Implementation Architecture in Python”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2011,
Las Vegas, NV, October 2011.
BibTeX

Keywords: ANTP, Python implementation

Abstract: Due to the highly-dynamic nature of airborne telemetry networks, we have developed the ANTP protocol suite consisting of AeroTP, AeroRP, and AeroNP. Having verified these protocols through simulation and analysis, the next step towards deployment of the ANTP suite is developing a cross-platform implementation of the protocols. Towards this end we present a preliminary architecture for the protocol stack to be implemented in the Python programming language. Initial development and testing is being conducted in the PlanetLab testbed environment, with future trials to be conducted using embedded processors on radio-controlled aircraft and ground vehicles.

Yufei Cheng 成宇飞, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Performance Comparison of Routing Protocols for Transactional Traffic over Aeronautical Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2011,
Las Vegas, NV, October 2011.
BibTeX

Keywords: DSR, HTTP

Abstract: Emerging airborne telemetry networks present several challenges such that traditional MANET protocols do not perform well. On the other hand, application traffic characteristics are expected to be identical in this domain. Transactional application traffic performance has been studied for traditional MANETs, however this type of traffic has not been studied for domain-specific MANET scenarios. We present the simulation model for transactional traffic used in highly-mobile environments. Using the ns-3 simulator, we examine the performance of a domain-specific routing protocol, AeroRP, to route transactional traffic over the aeronautical environment and present performance comparison with two reactive (AODV and DSR) and two proactive (DSDV and OLSR) MANET routing protocols.

Kamakshi Sirisha Pathapati, Nguyễn Ngọc Trúc Anh, Justin P. Rohrer, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Performance Analysis of the AeroTP Transport Protocol for Highly-Dynamic Airborne Telemetry Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2011,
Las Vegas, NV, October 2011.
BibTeX

Keywords: AeroTP

Abstract: Due to the challenging network conditions posed by a highly-dynamic airborne telemetry environment, it is essential for the transport protocol to provide automated mechanisms that dynamically adapt to changing end-to-end performance on any path. The AeroTP multi-mode transport protocol provides service tailored to the requirements of the telemetry mission control and data packets, achieving better performance compared to the traditional TCP and UDP. We use ns-3 to simulate the AeroTP protocol's reliable and quasi-reliable modes and demonstrate the performance tradeoffs between the modes, as well as comparing their performance with TCP and UDP.

Hemanth Narra, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Performance Analysis of AeroRP with Ground Station Updates in Highly-dynamic Airborne Telemetry Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2011,
Las Vegas, NV, October 2011.
BibTeX

Keywords: AeroRP, Ground-station mode

Abstract: Highly dynamic airborne telemetry networks pose unique challenges for data transmission. Domain-specific multi-hop routing protocols are necessary to cope with these challenges and AeroRP is one such protocol. In this paper, we discuss the operation of various AeroRP modes and analyse their performance using the ns-3 network simulator. We compare the performance of beacon, beaconless, and ground station~(GS) modes of AeroRP. The simulation results show the advantages of having a domain-specific routing protocol and also highlight the importance of ground station updates in discovering routes.

Kevin Peters, Abdul Jabbar, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“A Geographical Routing Protocol for Highly-Dynamic Aeronautical Networks”,
IEEE Wireless Communications and Networking Conference (WCNC),
Cancun, Mexico, March 2011, pp. 492–497.
BibTeX

Keywords: geographic routing, AeroRP, high-speed, aeronautical networks, ns-3 simulation, accuracy metric, MANET, disruption-tolerant network (DTN)

Abstract: Emerging networked systems require domain-specific routing protocols to cope with the challenges faced by the aeronautical environment. We present a geographic routing protocol AeroRP for multihop routing in highly dynamic MANETs. The AeroRP algorithm uses velocity-based heuristics to deliver the packets to destinations in a multi-Mach speed environment. Furthermore, we present the decision metrics used to forward the packets by the various AeroRP operational modes. The analysis of the ns-3 simulations shows AeroRP has several advantages over other MANET routing protocols in terms of PDR, accuracy, delay, and overhead. Moreover, AeroRP offers performance tradeoffs in the form of different AeroRP modes.

Justin P. Rohrer, Abdul Jabbar, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Airborne Telemetry Networks: Challenges and Solutions in the ANTP Suite”,
Proceedings of IEEE Military Communications Conference (MILCOM'10),
San Jose, CA, November 2010, pp. 74–79.
BibTeX

Keywords: Cross-layer design; Disruption-tolerant networks; Heterogeneous networks; Mobile ad hoc networks; Network and transport protocols

Abstract: Airborne telemetry networks are an example of a wireless network domain with much higher mobility than either the Internet or MANET protocols were designed to cope with. The very high speeds and distances covered, combined with limited radio transmission power contribute to making fully-connected operation impossible in this environment. We present challenges specific to highly-dynamic airborne networks in conjunction with the mechanisms used to ameliorate them in the Airborne Network Telemetry Protocol (ANTP) suite. At the transport layer with use multiple reliability modes, depending on the traffic class. For routing we leverage geolocation information as well as using the store-and-haul mechanism. At the border of the airborne network, we translate these protocols into the standard TCP/IP network stack using the AeroGW gateway architecture.

Kevin Peters, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, Abdul Jabbar, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Analysis of a Geolocation-Assisted Routing Protocol for Airborne Telemetry Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2010,
San Diego, CA, October 2010.
BibTeX

Keywords: mobile wireless airborne telemetry communication network, delay-tolerant routing

Abstract: Emerging networked telemetry systems require domain-specific routing protocols, such as AeroRP, to cope with the challenges faced by the aeronautical environment. We present an ns-3 based performance analysis of the geolocation-based forwarding and store-and-haul mechanisms used by AeroRP. The analysis of the simulations shows AeroRP has several advantages over other MANET routing protocols and offers tradeoffs for different performance metrics in the form of different AeroRP modes.

Kamakshi Sirisha Pathapati, Justin P. Rohrer, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“End-to-End ARQ: Transport-Layer Reliability for Airborne Telemetry Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2010,
San Diego, CA, October 2010.
BibTeX

Keywords: mobile wireless airborne telemetry communication network, AeroTP disruption-tolerant E2E end-to-end transport protocol, resilient, survivable

Abstract: Due to the mission-critical nature of command-and-control traffic in the telemetry environment, it is imperative that reliable transfer be supported. The AeroTP disruption-tolerant transport protocol is intended for this environment. The mechanism for reliable transfer is ARQ with end-to-end acknowledgments. This has significant performance limitations resulting from the highly-dynamic nature of airborne telemetry networks, since end-to-end paths may not persist long enough for retransmissions to be received. We use ns-3 to analyze the AeroTP ARQ mechanism, along with tunable parameters that may improve performance in reliable transfer mode.

Dan Broyles, Abdul Jabbar, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Design and Analysis of a 3-D Gauss-Markov Mobility Model for Highly Dynamic Airborne Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2010,
San Diego, CA, October 2010.
BibTeX

Keywords: mobile wireless airborne telemetry communication network, 3-D Gauss-Markov Mobility Model

Abstract: Accurate mobility models are needed to simulate the physical movement of nodes in a highly-dynamic aeronautical network. The fundamental problem with many synthetic mobility models is their random, memoryless behavior. Airborne ad hoc networks require a flexible memory-based 3-dimensional mobility model. We present a new 3-dimensional implementation of the Gauss-Markov mobility model for airborne telemetry network simulations, and compare its behavior to memoryless models such as random waypoint and random walk using the ns-3 simulator.

Muharrem Ali Tunç, Erik Perrins and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Performance Evaluation of a TDMA MAC Protocol in Airborne Telemetry Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2010,
San Diego, CA, October 2010.
BibTeX

Keywords: mobile wireless airborne telemetry communication network, iNET MAC

Abstract: Emerging airborne telemetry networks are going beyond traditional point-to-point communication. The iNET telemetry architecture uses a TDMA MAC with relay nodes that enable multi-hop communication. We analyze the performance of the iNET TDMA MAC protocol with respect to various parameters such as number of nodes, flight range, number of relays, and number of hops via mathematical modeling. We also discuss the role of cross-layer optimizations with the AeroNP, AeroRP, and AeroTP aeronautical protocols.

Justin P. Rohrer and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Performance and Disruption Tolerance of Transport Protocols for Airborne Telemetry Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2009,
Las Vegas, NV, October 2009.
BibTeX

Keywords: mobile wireless airborne telemetry communication network, AeroTP disruption-tolerant E2E end-to-end transport protocol, resilient, survivable

Abstract: The airborne telemetry environment presents unique challenges to end-to-end communications due to the highly dynamic topology and time-varying connectivity of high-velocity wireless nodes. The AeroTP transport protocol uses multiple reliability modes to trade off end-to-end reliability and efficiency as appropriate for different categories of telemetry data. Based on the architecture previously presented, we have further developed the design of this protocol, as well as performing preliminary simulations of AeroTP using the ns-3 simulation platform. In this paper we present the operational modes of AeroTP in greater detail, as well as comparing the performance of TCP with the AeroTP domain-specific transport protocol.

Egemen K. Çetinkaya and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Aeronautical Gateways: Supporting TCP/IP–based Devices and Applications over Modern Telemetry Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2009,
Las Vegas, NV, October 2009.
BibTeX

Keywords: Mobile wireless airborne telemetry communication network, AeroTP disruption-tolerant transport protocol, AeroNP, AeroRP dynamic ad hoc routing, resilient, survivable

Abstract: Modern telemetry networks require the use of efficient domain-specific protocols at the transport, network, and routing layers. However, the existing end-devices and services are based on legacy protocols such as TCP/IP. This necessitates translation between the legacy and aeronautical protocol. In this paper we propose an efficient translation mechanism with the help of gateways at the telemetry network edges.

Abdul Jabbar and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“AeroRP: A Geolocation Assisted Aeronautical Routing Protocol for Highly Dynamic Telemetry Environments ”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2009,
Las Vegas, NV, October 2009.
BibTeX

Keywords: mobile wireless airborne telemetry communication network, AeroRP geolocation assisted routing, resilient, survivable

Abstract: With the increasing importance of networked systems for telemetry, there is a need for efficient routing algorithms in aeronautical environments. Unlike traditional mobile networks, the highly dynamic nature of airborne networks results in extremely short-lived paths, especially for multi-hop scenarios thereby necessitating domain-specific protocols. In this paper, we present the detailed design and evaluation of AeroRP, a cross-layered routing protocol designed specifically for airborne telemetry applications. AeroRP exploits the broadcast nature of the wireless medium along with the physical node location and trajectory to improve the data delivery in Mach-speed mobile scenarios. We present a multi-modal protocol that addresses various operational scenarios of test and telemetry networks. Preliminary simulation results show that AeroRP significantly outperforms traditional MANET routing protocols while limiting the overhead.

Justin P. Rohrer, Abdul Jabbar, Erik Perrins, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“Cross-Layer Architectural Framework for Highly-Mobile Multihop Airborne Telemetry Networks”,
Proceedings of IEEE Military Communications Conference (MILCOM'08),
San Diego, CA, November 2008.
BibTeX

Keywords: mobile wireless airborne telemetry communication network, AeroTP disruption-tolerant transport protocol, AeroNP, AeroRP dynamic ad hoc routing, resilient, survivable

Abstract: Highly dynamic mobile wireless networks present unique challenges to end-to-end communication, particularly caused by the time varying connectivity of high-velocity nodes combined with the unreliability of the wireless communication channel. Addressing these challenges requires the design of new protocols and mechanisms specific to this environment. Our research explores the tradeoffs in the location of functionality such as error control and location management for high-velocity multihop airborne sensor networks and presents cross-layer optimizations between the MAC, link, network, and transport layers to enable a domain specific network architecture, which provides high reliability for telemetry applications. We have designed new transport, network, and routing protocols for this environment: TCP-friendly AeroTP, IP-compatible AeroNP, and AeroRP, and show significant performance improvement over the traditional TCP/IP/MANET protocol stack.

Justin P. Rohrer, Erik Perrins, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“End-to-End Disruption-Tolerant Transport Protocol Issues and Design for Airborne Telemetry Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2008 (best paper award),
San Diego, CA, October 2008.
BibTeX

Keywords: mobile wireless airborne telemetry communication network, AeroTP disruption-tolerant E2E end-to-end transport protocol, resilient, survivable

Abstract: Networks of airborne nodes provide unique challenges to end-to-end communication, in particular due to the highly dynamic topology and time-varying connectivity of high velocity nodes, and unreliability of the wireless communication channel. This paper explores the issues and presents a design for a domain-specific transport protocol targeted to multihop network that interconnects high-velocity airborne nodes with the telemetry application of returning sensor data with high reliability.

Abdul Jabbar, Erik Perrins, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
“A Cross-Layered Protocol Architecture for Highly-Dynamic Multihop Airborne Telemetry Networks”,
International Telemetering Conference (ITC) 2008,
San Diego, CA, October 2008.
BibTeX

Keywords: mobile wireless airborne telemetry communication network, AeroNP, AeroRP dynamic ad hoc routing, disruption-tolerant, resilient, survivable

Abstract: Highly-dynamic mobile wireless communication presents unique challenges to the network at all layers, and requires the design of new protocols and mechanisms. We discuss a cross-layer aware internetwork architecture and the various mechanisms to enable reliable communication in high-velocity multihop scenarios. We introduce AeroNP, an IP-compatible network protocol that is designed for telemetry applications in an aeronautical environment. A new routing algorithm is presented that leverages location information combined with snooping to forward packets in the absence of stable end-to-end routes, along with an implicit congestion control mechanism.

Presentations

Justin P. Rohrer, Abdul Jabbar, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, Erik Perrins, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
Highly-Mobile Airborne Network Architecture,
ITTC IAB poster, The University of Kansas, June 2010.

Justin P. Rohrer, Kamakshi Sirisha Pathapati, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
AeroTP: Disruption-Tolerant Airborne Transport Protocol,
ITTC IAB poster, The University of Kansas, June 2010.

Kevin Peters, Abdul Jabbar, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, Justin P. Rohrer, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
Geographic Routing in a Highly-Mobile Airborne Network,
ITTC IAB poster, The University of Kansas, June 2010.

Dan Broyles, Abdul Jabbar, Egemen K. Çetinkaya, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
3-D Gauss Markov Mobility Model for Mobile Airborne Networks,
ITTC IAB poster, The University of Kansas, June 2010.

Justin P. Rohrer, Abdul Jabbar, Erik Perrins, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
Highly-Mobile Airborne Network Telemetry Architecture,
ITTC IAB poster, The University of Kansas, April 2009.

Abdul Jabbar, Justin P. Rohrer, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
Design and Performance of AeroTP and AeroRP,
ITTC IAB poster, The University of Kansas, April 2009.

James P.G. Sterbenz, Abdul Jabbar, Erik Perrins, and Justin P. Rohrer,
Highly-Dynamic Ad Hoc Airborne Networking for Telemetry Test and Evaluation,
ETH Zürich Communication Systems Group Seminar and Universität Zürich Institut für Informatik Seminar,
September 2008.

Justin P. Rohrer, Abdul Jabbar, Sarvesh Varatharajan, Erik Perrins, and James P.G. Sterbenz,
Protocols for Highly-Mobile Airborne Telemetry Networks,
ITTC IAB poster, The University of Kansas, June 2008.

James P.G. Sterbenz, Abdul Jabbar, Erik Perrins, and Justin P. Rohrer,
Highly-Dynamic Ad Hoc Airborne Networking for Telemetry Test and Evaluation,
iNET Face-to-Face Meeting 3, July 2008.

People

Abdul Jabbar*: cross-layer optimisations and routing
Justin P. Rohrer*: end-to-end transport
Egemen K. Çetinkaya*: networking and gateway functionality
Muharrem Ali Tunç*: MAC cross-layering
Erik Perrins* (co-I): cross-layer optimisations and lower layers
James P.G. Sterbenz* (PI): end-to-end transport, routing, and cross-layer optimisations

 *The University of Kansas

Sponsors

This work funded in part by the US DoD CTEIP iNET (Integrated Network Enhanced Telemetry) program
This work funded in part by International Foundation for Telemetering (IFT)