Abstract
This paper considers on a network routing protocol known as Better Approach to Mobile Ad hoc Networks (B.A.T.M.A.N.). The protocol serves two aims: first, to discover all bidirectional links, and second, to identify the best-next-hop for every other node in the network. A key element is that each node will flood the network at regular intervals with so-called originator messages.
This paper describes in detail a formalisation of the B.A.T.M.A.N. protocol. This exercise revealed several ambiguities and inconsistencies in the RFC. We developed two models. The first implements, if possible, a literal reading of the RFC, while the second model tries to be closer to the underlying concepts. The alternative model is in some places less restrictive, and rebroadcasts more often when it helps route discovery, and will on the other hand drop more messages that might interfere with the process.
We verify for a basic untimed model that both interpretations ensure loop-freedom, bidirectional link discovery, and route-discovery. We use simulation of a timed model to compare the performance and found that both models are comparable when it comes to the time and number of messages needed for discovering routes. However, the alternative model identifies a significantly lower number of suboptimal routes, and thus improves on the literal interpretation of the RFC.
This paper describes in detail a formalisation of the B.A.T.M.A.N. protocol. This exercise revealed several ambiguities and inconsistencies in the RFC. We developed two models. The first implements, if possible, a literal reading of the RFC, while the second model tries to be closer to the underlying concepts. The alternative model is in some places less restrictive, and rebroadcasts more often when it helps route discovery, and will on the other hand drop more messages that might interfere with the process.
We verify for a basic untimed model that both interpretations ensure loop-freedom, bidirectional link discovery, and route-discovery. We use simulation of a timed model to compare the performance and found that both models are comparable when it comes to the time and number of messages needed for discovering routes. However, the alternative model identifies a significantly lower number of suboptimal routes, and thus improves on the literal interpretation of the RFC.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | Proceedings 2nd Workshop on Models for Formal Analysis of Real Systems, MARS@ETAPS 2017 |
| Editors | Holger Hermanns, Peter Höfner |
| Place of Publication | Waterloo, NSW |
| Publisher | Open Publishing Association |
| Pages | 53-65 |
| Number of pages | 13 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 2nd Workshop on Models for Formal Analysis of Real Systems, MARS 2017 - Uppsala, Sweden Duration: 29 Apr 2017 → 29 Apr 2017 |
Publication series
| Name | Electronic Proceedings in Theoretical Computer Science (EPTCS) |
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| Publisher | EPTCS |
| Volume | 244 |
Conference
| Conference | 2nd Workshop on Models for Formal Analysis of Real Systems, MARS 2017 |
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| Country/Territory | Sweden |
| City | Uppsala |
| Period | 29/04/17 → 29/04/17 |