A Depth First Forwarding (DFF) Extension for the LOADng Routing Protocol

Abstract : This paper explores the cooperation between the new standards for "Low Power and Lossy Networks" (LLNs): IETF RFC 6971, denoted "Depth-First Forwarding in Unreliable Networks" (DFF) and the ITU-T standardised routing protocol "LOADng" (Lightweight On-demand ad hoc Distance-vector Routing-next generation). DFF is a data-forwarding mechanism for increasing reliability of data delivery in networks with dynamic topology and lossy links, using a mechanism similar to a "depth-first search" for the destination of a packet. LOADng is a reactive on-demand routing protocol used in LLNs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefit of using DFF conjointly with a routing protocol. To this end, the paper compares the performance of LOADng and LOADng+DFF using Ns2 simulations, showing a 20% end-to-end data delivery ratio increase at expense of expected longer path lengths.