A Network Coding Based Reliable Multicast (NCBRM) Protocol for MANETs

In this thesis, we present a cross-layer Network Coding Based Reliable Multicast (NCBRM) protocol, designed to provide reliable and efficient transmission in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs). The key to NCBRM is the random linear network coding, which implements localized loss recovery and path diversity with very low overhead. To improve reliability of NCBRM in congested condition, a network coding based transport layer protocol is developed to assist NCBRM in detecting and recovering from packet loss. A comparison of NCBRM performance with that of conventional multicast and other network coding based multicast protocols shows that NCBRM exhibits better reliability at high mobility speeds and under heavy traffic loads. Furthermore, the NCBRM's overhead is reduced as much as 40% as compared to the conventional multicast protocols.