Network management of wireless tactical networks

This paper presents a network layer protocol developed for Tactical Multimedia Networks in the forward area. The proposed network is an autonomous fully distributed wireless ATM network. A companion paper [1] addresses lower layer protocols such as the signaling method (FH-SS) and adaptive power control schemes. The structure of the proposed network is hierarchical and allows for rapid deployment and dynamic reconfiguration of wireless stations. Nodes are organized into clusters. The cluster heads are analogous to the base stations in a conventional ATM and they act as the local coordinators to support services that include conventional data applications as well as multimedia (video, voice and data) applications with QoS (Quality-of-Service) guarantees. The proposed protocols are also intended to provide seamless internetworking with other wired ATM local and wide area networks. The algorithms are distributed for simple implementation and ease of mobility management. A wireless VP/VC concept is described to provide ATM cell routing and connections in the network. Routing and the provision for efficient utilization of the available bandwidth are major problems for supporting multimedia traffic in a wireless network. Call management, network management, and signaling are designed for simplicity. Restoration schemes are also proposed to resolve the connectivity problems associated with link or node failures.