Evaluating Forwarding Protocols in Opportunistic Networks: Trends, Advances, Challenges and Best Practices

Abstract

A variety of applications and forwarding protocols have been proposed for opportunistic networks (OppNets) in the literature. However, the methodology of evaluation, testing and comparing these forwarding protocols are not standardized yet, which leads to large levels of ambiguity in performance evaluation studies. Performance results depend largely on the evaluation environment, and on the used parameters and models. More comparability in evaluation scenarios and methodologies would largely improve also the availability of protocols and the repeatability of studies, and thus would accelerate the development of this research topic. In this survey paper, we focus our attention on how various OppNets data forwarding protocols are evaluated rather than what they actually achieve. We explore the models, parameters and the evaluation environments and make observations about their scalability, realism and comparability. Finally, we deduce some best practices on how to achieve the largest impact of future evaluation studies of OppNets data dissemination/forwarding protocols.

Performance Comparison of Fresh and Spray & Wait Protocol through ONE Simulator

“…Although there are numerous simulators available for OppNet simulation, however, as per kuppusamy et al [16], ONE (Opportunistic Network Environment) Simulator is widely used simulator globally. Therefore, this paper focuses on ONE simulator for our aimed research to make this research available for the larger research community associated with OppNet simulation.…”

Impact of Node Density on the QoS Parameters of Routing Protocols in Opportunistic Networks for Smart Spaces

“…(1) OppNets can tolerate high delays if the destination or another intermediate node is not responding due to any reason during data communication (2) OppNet may allow data transfer with asymmetric data rates (3) OppNets can prevent data loss due to connection failure as it follows the store-carry-forward approach (4) OppNets can manage data communication even in continuous ups and downs with network state as it is specifically designed for operating under the situation of intermittent connection Despite all the abovementioned advantages, there are certain challenges [15] in OppNet communication that needs to be dealt with. e various shortcomings of OppNet are as follows:…”

“…Kuppusamy et al [15] surveyed the simulation trend followed by researchers focusing on opportunistic networks. e results reveal that there has been a substantial increase in the use of ONE simulator during the current decade.…”

“…Also, Kuppusamy et al [15] have brought in to light the fact that the foremost reason for selecting ONE simulator as a major tool is that it is capable of supporting the maximum number of participating nodes during simulation among all discussed simulators (except custom-based simulators). However, it has some limitations regarding the underlay layers such as the MAC sublayer, but that can be ignored for the research work of this paper.…”

Artificial Intelligence based rule base fire engine testing model for congestion handling in opportunistic networks

“…1 Short range wireless communications such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee and Bluetooth, has introduced a new concept of communication known as opportunistic networks (OppNets) or pocket switch network (PSN). 2 In such networks, nodes exchange data using store carry and forward mechanics whenever they came in range of another device that is why it is called opportunistic networks. 3 Due to limited storage capacity of handheld devices in 4G or 5G networks by the end user, only limited amount of data can be transferred.…”