Thin Layer approach to increase reliability in ad hoc network

Reliability support in a tactical area network is crucial since critical information is exchanged to achieve military missions. However, it is extremely challenging due to mobility, unstable channel condition, and possible jamming attack from an adversary. To increase reliability, we propose a new software layer, called Thin Layer, that controls diversity schemes located at various network layers, e.g., multipath routing at Network layer, packet retransmission at MAC layer, multichannel transmission at Physical layer, etc. Since network structure modification is not required, Thin Layer can be applied to the off-the-shelf 802.11 system as well as tactical communication technology, e.g., Join Tactical Radio System. We validate Thin Layer performance in disruptive network environments via simulation study.