Integrated Multicast for Ad Hoc Networks

We propose to investigate, design and deploy a suite of novel multicast protocols aimed primarily ad hoc (and also other mobile) networks. We maintain that, due to the inherent broadcast capability, wireless networks are well suited for multicast communication. Unlike the evolution of routing in wired networks, we believe that - in ad hoc networks - it is more effective to treat multicast routing as a separate problem. The proposed suite of multicast packet routing and forwarding protocols (IMAHN) will emphasize robustness versus efficiency, adaptability, unlimited mobility and integrated multicast.