Title: A fuzzy-based virtual backbone routing for large-scale MANETs

Authors: Wasim El-Hajj, Dionysios Kountanis, Ala Al-Fuqaha, Sghaier Guizani

Addresses: Department of Computer Science, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA. ' Department of Computer Science, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA. ' Department of Computer Science, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, USA. ' Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Moncton, NB, Canada

Abstract: Virtual backbone-based routing is a promising approach for enhancing the routing efficiency in MANETs. To establish communication in the network, the virtual backbone nodes have to be connected. Connected Dominating Sets (CDS) are the earliest structures proposed as candidates for virtual backbones in Ad Hoc networks. In this paper, we propose a Fuzzy-based Virtual Backbone (FVB) routing scheme for large-scale mobile Ad Hoc networks that aims to maximise the network|s lifetime. Each node in the network is characterised by its Residual Energy (RE), traffic and mobility. We develop a fuzzy logic controller that combines these parameters, keeping in mind the synergy between them. The value obtained indicates the importance of a node and it is used in network formation and maintenance. We compare our approach to another energy-efficient hierarchical protocol based on the Dominating Set (DS) idea. Our simulation shows that our design out performs the DS approach in prolonging the network lifetime.

Keywords: mobile ad hoc networks; MANETs; hierarchical design; energy efficiency; virtual backbone routing; fuzzy logic; wireless networks; mobile networks; fuzzy routing; fuzzy control; simulation; dominating set.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSNET.2008.022709

International Journal of Sensor Networks, 2008 Vol.4 No.4, pp.250 - 259

Published online: 25 Jan 2009 *

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