An initial analysis of packet function-aware extension to Dijkstra algorithm for wireless networks

Abstract

In this paper, we promote the packet function (e.g., packet size) -aware extension of the Dijkstra algorithm (i.e., PFA_SPF) as a base algorithm where any routing protocol can evolve it and integrate it with appropriate routing metrics. In particular, we propose a generic algorithm for packet function-aware path setup for multi-hop networks. The algorithm is based on a generic and novel extension of the classical Dijkstra algorithm in which the cost of each link is a non-negative-valued function of packet parameter(s) (e.g., packet size) rather than a scalar value. The algorithm minimizes the sum of the cost functions (e.g., total transmission delay or total energy consumption) experienced by each packet (e.g., maximizing the throughput) from the source to the destination node. We did initial analysis based on simulation of the algorithm for various random multi-hop wireless networks (e.g., 802.11), utilizing realistic link delay models. Finally, we demonstrate the initial significant potential performance improvements of our algorithm over the existing prior art.