Mobile nodes are typically equipped with multiple radios and can connect to multiple radio access networks (e.g. WiFi, LTE and 5G). Consequently, it is important to design mechanisms that efficiently manage multiple network interfaces for aggregating the capacity, steering of traffic flows or switching flows among multiple interfaces. While such multi-access solutions have the potential to increase the overall traffic throughput and communication reliability, the variable latencies on different access links introduce packet delay variation which has negative effect on the application quality of service and user quality of experience. In this paper, we present a new IP-compatible multipath framework for heterogeneous access networks. The framework uses Multipath Datagram Congestion Control Protocol (MP-DCCP) -a set of extensions to regular DCCP -to enable a transport connection to operate across multiple access networks, simultaneously. We present the design of the new protocol framework and show simulation and experimental testbed results that (1) demonstrate the operation of the new framework, and (2) demonstrate the ability of our solution to manage significant packet delay variation caused by the asymmetry of network paths, by applying pluggable packet scheduling or reordering algorithms.
This is the accepted version of the paper.This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. Abstract-Ad hoc networks of mobile nodes can be used to extend or improve connectivity, and cooperative data distribution represents the basis of this approach. Cooperation in such networks can be improved by providing nodes with information on network dynamics and topology changes. This paper proposes a proactive approach to handling mobility-induced network topology changes. The approach uses signal strength trends to predict the future locations and connectivity between the network nodes. Our research is aimed towards the creation of an alternative topology in each node, where a node would keep other nodes suitability for cooperation in the data distribution. In this paper we present the initial algorithm and test the prediction method using a simulation. The algorithm is then applied in an experimental testbed where its performance was tested using real moving nodes executing a real data distribution process. The performance results show a significant improvement in terms of file transfer delay.
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