Mesh Networking Overview:
Mesh Network: A network structure where nodes (sensors) are
interconnected, allowing data to be transmitted over multiple paths
(multi-hop). This ensures robustness and fault tolerance.
Self-Healing: Mesh networks can reroute data if one or more nodes fail
or are unreachable, increasing reliability.
Dynamic Topology: The network can adapt to changes in node
availability, power levels, and link quality.
2. Challenges in Mesh Network Routing:
Energy Consumption: Routing involves transmitting data over multiple
nodes, consuming energy for both sending and receiving. Optimizing
energy usage is crucial.
Scalability: As the number of nodes increases, the complexity of routing
also increases. The protocol must efficiently manage large networks
without overwhelming any node.
Latency: Data might take longer to reach its destination due to multi-hop
transmission, which can cause delays in time-sensitive applications.
3. Types of Mesh Network Routing Protocols in WSNs:
A. Proactive Routing Protocols:
Description: These protocols maintain consistent routing information by
continuously updating routes to all possible destinations, even if they are
not currently needed.
Examples:
o DSDV (Destination-Sequenced Distance-Vector): Each node
maintains a routing table that is periodically updated to reflect the
current network topology.
Advantages: Low latency in route discovery since routes are pre-
established.
Disadvantages: High control overhead due to constant route updates,
which may drain energy.
B. Reactive (On-Demand) Routing Protocols:
Description: Routes are established only when needed. When a node
needs to send data, it discovers the route dynamically.
Examples:
o AODV (Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector): Nodes initiate
route discovery by broadcasting route requests (RREQs) when data
needs to be sent. Routes are maintained as long as they are active.
o DSR (Dynamic Source Routing): The sender node discovers the
entire route to the destination and embeds the complete route in the
packet headers.
Advantages: Saves energy as routes are only created when necessary,
reducing overhead.
Disadvantages: Can introduce latency due to the route discovery process.
C. Hybrid Routing Protocols:
Description: These combine the advantages of both proactive and
reactive protocols. Typically, proactive routing is used within small areas
(local clusters), while reactive routing is used for inter-cluster
communication.
Examples:
o ZRP (Zone Routing Protocol): Nodes maintain proactive routes
within a certain radius (zone) and use reactive routing outside the
zone.
Advantages: Reduces the overhead of proactive routing while
maintaining the low latency of intra-zone communication.
