A Cross-layer Approach for Reliable Communication in Airborne Networks

In this effort, Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI), with support from its subcontractors and consultants, proposes an innovative approach for achieving reliable wireless communications in Airborne Network environment. The technical approach is built on an integrated cross-layer design involving Link layer, Network layer and Transport layer. Having separate innovations at each layer, our approach enables seamless cross-layer information sharing and cooperation, and provides reliable Airborne Network communications for end users. Our approach has the following significant advantages. First, a cross-layer framework with intelligent link management assists information exchanges between different network layers, expedites upper layers’ response to changes of physical links and outside environment, and helps optimize link selections. Second, the approach considers a multi-graph model to capture multiple heterogeneous wireless links of airborne platforms. The graph model, serving as a sound mathematic foundation, allows us to use optimized OSPF to achieve optimal routing decision in Airborne Network’s multi-radio multi-channel environment. Third, we propose a novel multi-TCP implementation at Transport layer. The multi-TCP implementation can switch back and forth between different TCP proposals when loss rate and other link conditions change, thus adapting itself to AN’s ever-changing and extreme link and networking conditions.