Emergent Harmonic Field Routing for Dynamic Networks
Abstract
Routing in dynamic networks, such as MANETs, remains a challenging problem due to the need for continuous adaptation, robustness to topology changes, and limited coordination among nodes. Traditional routing approaches, including Distance Vector and Link-State protocols often underperform, leading to instability or high overhead in dynamic environments.
In this paper, we propose Harmonic Field Routing (HFR), in which forwarding decisions base on a self-organizing potential field maintained through purely local interactions. Each node iteratively updates a scalar state based on neighboring values, leading to the implicit solution of a discrete Laplace equation with Dirichlet boundary conditions. The resulting harmonic field continuously adapts to network changes and induces a loop-free routing structure, where packets follow the steepest descent of the potential.
We analyze the theoretical foundations of the method by relating it Jacobi iterative solver. Additionally, we propose two asynchronous HFRs: Red-Black Gauss-Seidel HFR and Chaotic HFR. Experimental evaluation shows that HFR methods provide superior reliability in dynamic scenarios. Furthermore, due to emergence of the early gradient, HFR can find the route comparably fast to the Distance Vector.
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