Improving mobile ad hoc networks using hybrid IP-Information Centric Networking

Abstract

Routing protocols for Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANETs) constitute a research area with numerous evolved and well-investigated solutions that typically still rely on IP. Although IP-based protocols for MANETs can effectively handle network changes, thus enhancing connectivity while offering scalability, they lack support for advanced communication paradigms, which would enable richer applications and improve network goodput. Information-Centric Networking (ICN) is an inter-networking paradigm that natively supports functions that can enhance the performance of MANETs, such as multicast, multisource communication, and on-path caching. However, ICN raises significant scalability and feasibility concerns in the presence of intense node mobility. In this paper, we propose a hybrid architecture that combines the best of both worlds: it uses IP for maintaining network topology and it relies on ICN for content lookup and dissemination. To this end, we adapt the Named-Data Networking (NDN) ICN architecture to use legacy IP MANET routing protocols, such as Babel. Using a prototype implementation of our design and the Mininet Wi-Fi network emulator, we experimentally investigate the performance of our hybrid design in several scenarios, finding that the data delivery to network traffic ratio is increased up to 250% and 300% compared to pure NDN and IP solutions, respectively.