A routing vector method (RVM) for routing in multiple Bluetooth networks |
| Pravin Bhagwat, Adrian Segall |
| Bluetooth is a promising new technology for short range wireless connectivity
between mobile devices. Initially, Bluetooth will be used as a replacement
for point-to-(multi)point cables, but in due course of time solutions for
forming multihop ad hoc networks over Bluetooth will be needed. In this
paper, we explore the design space of routing protocols over Bluetooth
scatternets. We argue that ad hoc routing protocols for Bluetooth must
make different set of design compromises compared to those being developed
by the MANET working group. These differences result primarily from the
specific characteristics of the Bluetooth physical and the link layer.
Our proposed routing method is based on the concept of route vector, which is an efficient method for encoding source route paths in Bluetooth scatternets. We describe the protocols for route vector discovery and packet forwarding. We also describe extensions for supporting multicast in Bluetooth scatternets. Our design illustrates three main design compromises, namely minimization of soft-state, protocol simplicity, and bandwith conservation, all of which are crucial for efficient operation over small size Bluetooth scatternets. |
| Paper (postscript) |
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