Routing Protocols for Highly Dynamic SUAS Network Topologies

The increasing availability of small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) leads to the possibility of forming temporary mission-centric networks using multiple SUASs. The major problems faced in achieving this vision, specifically the dynamic nature of SUAS topologies and the limited bandwidth available, combine to create an environment that is inhospitable for traditional routing approaches. To address this critical need, Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) along with Professor Mario Gerla and Boeing, proposes to develop methods of route selection, route discovery, topology management, and queuing that address the challenges posed by these environments. Collectively referred to as Small UAS Routing Enhanced Networks (SURENET), the proposed techniques address these challenges in several specific ways by focusing the routing protocol toward the most useful routes and allowing temporary interruptions to remain seamless to the end user. We propose route discovery techniques which are aware of past and predicted network state when making decisions and which operate if the network is temporarily disconnected. We will also propose to create appropriate routing topologies based on the network"s changing topology. Further, we will develop techniques to determine the correct behavior when no route exists in order to manage network dynamics in a manner transparent to the user.