Nautical Predictive Routing Protocol (NPRP) for the Dynamic Ad-Hoc Nautical Network (DANN)

摘要

The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and the ExpeditionaryStrike Group (ESG) are two common types of US Naval units consistingof multiple ships traveling as a group. All vessels within the CSG/ESGtransmit and receive data via satellite, even when those vessels are withinradio frequency line of sight (RFLOS). Within the CSG/ESG, satellitecommunications (SATCOM) are clearly necessary for vessels well forwardof the main body, but could be augmented by RFLOS wirelesscommunications for some members of the CSG/ESG. The goal of thisresearch is to identify software technology that minimizes the barriers toemploying affordable, commercially available technology (i.e., 802.11x)for ship-to-ship communications at sea. Some of the existing barriersto 802.11x communications at sea result from communication protocolsthat do not support the varying topologies or human network interventionone would expect to encounter within the CSG/ESG. This paperadvances the concept for a predictive routing protocol that proactivelyaddresses the topological and human issues unique to the DANN. Proactiverouting will re-route the transmissions prior to interruptions, thuspreventing interruption of open communication sessions.