ECBRP: An Efficient Cluster-Based Routing Protocol for Real-Time Multimedia Streaming in MANETs

摘要

The dynamic characteristics of wireless networks and stringent QoS requirements of multimedia applications identify significant challenges for providing QoS guarantees for real-time multimedia streaming in such wireless environment. QoS routing protocols can decisively contribute to the QoS provision of network systems. This paper proposes an efficient cluster-based routing protocol (ECBRP) for real-time multimedia streaming in mobile ad hoc networks. First, to improve the stability of clusterheads, we introduce a new algorithm of cluster formation, in consideration of the node mobility and connectivity. Second, a link-broken detection mechanism is designed, which is able to distinguish whether packet loss is due to mobility or congestion, and to make proper reaction. This mechanism contributes to reduce route overhead, and to increase the decodable ratio of video frame at the application layer as well. Third, the routing protocol is enhanced via an adaptive packet salvage strategy, in order to alleviate the congestion in consideration of the characteristics of multimedia traffic. Our simulation experiment results demonstrate that the ECBRP leads to more stable cluster formation than the CBRP, and 80% decreases in the frequency of clusterhead changes against CBRP. As a result, the quality of real-time multimedia streaming is improved significantly, in terms of decodable frame ratio, delay and delay jitter, etc.