Networking on the Battlefield: Challenges in Highly Dynamic Multi-hop Wireless Networks

A crucial aspect of effective networking on the battlefield is choosing the correct networking architecture. Multi-hop wireless networks provide the best model for tactical networking because of their ability to self-organize and rapidly adapt to change. We focus on a multi-hop wireless network model that is highly dynamic and that consists of mobile base stations and mobile hosts. In this model, there are two key requirements for enabling an effective networking infrastructure for the battlefield: the support of highly mobile nodes and the scalability to a large number of nodes. In this paper, we present some of the systemlevel challenges encountered in highly dynamic multi-hop wireless networks. In particular, we address the topology model, the location model, and the routing model in light of the aforementioned challenges.