Six-Shot Broadcast: A Context-Aware Algorithm for Efficient Message Diffusion in MANETs

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce six-shot broadcast (6SB), a new context-aware message diffusion algorithm that uses location information to fine-tune its broadcasting process. Message diffusion is indeed one of the core challenges brought up by distributed systems and has therefore largely been studied in the context of traditional network structures such as the Internet. With the emergence of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), new broadcasting algorithm especially geared at these networks have been introduced. These algorithms must reach two conflicting objectives when broadcasting a message, namely reliability vs. efficiency. That is, they must maximize the number of nodes that deliver the message (reliability), while minimizing the number of nodes that forward the message (efficiency). In recent years as more and more mobile devices have become context-aware, several broadcasting algorithms have been introduced using contextual information, such as location, in order to increase reliability and efficiency. Along that line, we provide a in-depth performance evaluation of our 6SB algorithm, by comparing it to similar broadcasting algorithms also targeted at MANETs. Our results show that 6SB competes with the most efficient algorithms in high densities of nodes and offers increased reliability in low densities at a reasonable overhead.