Comparing multicast protocols in mobile ad hoc networks

This paper presents a novel method for comparing the performance of multicast protocols in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) with respect to delay, efficiency, and robustness. For each metric, we develop the notion of optimality that allows us to compare performance against a common set of reference points. Knowing where a protocol's performance diverges from optimal also indicates where efforts at improvement will provide the most benefit. Next we present a cross-platform physical layer model that allows researchers working with different simulation packages use a common physical model of the network. We then use simulations to illustrate the performance of a candidate protocol relative to optimal. An interesting result of the simulations is that MANET nodes with very high degrees of connectivity do not necessarily improve the performance of multicast routing protocols.