FNSCSDP: A Forward Node Selection Based Cross-Layer Service Discovery Protocol for MANETs

Service discovery is expected to be a crucial feature for the usability of MANETs(mobile ad-hoc networks). However, service discovery protocols existing nowadays are generally separated from backbone construction schemes usually performing in network layer in MANETs. Recognizing this problem, we propose a FNSCSDP(Forward Node Selection based Cross-layer Service Discovery Protocol) for MANETs, which makes use of periodically hello packets used in backbone construction schemes to facilitate service discovery tasks. When forwarding service request packets, FNSCSDP deliberately selects some nodes that should forward the service request packet. Those nodes are selected basing on local topology information gathered from hello packets and history information piggybacking in service request packets. Hence, all nodes that are at most 2-hop away from the current node will be able to receive the service request packet. Simulations show that FNSCSDP outperforms a well-known service discovery protocol GSD in packet overhead and promptness.