A Cross-layer Approach for Reliable Communication in Airborne Networks

In this proposal, we propose an innovative technical approach for achieving reliable wireless communications in Airborne Network environment based on an integrated cross-layer design on Link layer, Network layer and Transport layer. Our approach has four main advantageous features: (1) a cross-layer framework assists information exchanges between different networking layers, expedites upper layers’ response to quick changes of physical links and outside environment, and helps to optimize link selections; (2) the approach considers the broad diversity of link types in Airborne Networks, and implements an distributed agent-based link management scheme to enable network’s self-adaptation to link dynamics; (3) a network addressing methodology provides automatic address configuration in Airborne Networks, and easy conversion between Airborne Network addresses and standard IP addresses; and (4) a transport-layer mechanism specially customized for Airborne Networks can provide reliable end-to-end connections on lossy, intermittent and asymmetric paths.