A Simulation of P_MUL (An Application for Multicast Messaging under EMCON Restriction)

Abstract : P_MUL is an application layer reliable multicast protocol specifically designed for use over narrowband networks where nodes may be operating in EMCON (Emission Control) or Radio silence mode. The protocol is specified in the Allied Communication Publication (ACP) 142. The Communications Research Centre (CRC) has created a discrete-event simulation model of P_MUL in order to characterise its performance under a variety of operating conditions. Simulation scenarios were created to examine the effectiveness of P_MUL in both noise-free and noisy channel environments. The scenarios focus on the impact of protocol parameters on the results obtainable by P_MUL. This report describes the CRC model of P_MUL and outlines the simulation scenarios studied. Analysis of simulation results is provided, weaknesses of the protocol are identified, and optimal values for certain protocol parameters are suggested.