A Mathematical Model for Cross Layer Protocol Optimizing Performance of Software-Defined Radios in Tactical Networks

Unlike conventional mobile ad hoc networks, tactical networks, which provide communication of software-defined radios (SDRs) in mission critical and time-sensitive applications, require cognitive functions across the TCP/IP stack to encounter strict constraints while providing smooth incorporation with IP-based applications. The tactical applications are mission-critical and thus pose unique requirements for the network, including decentralized control and mission specific latency bounds for end-to-end data delivery. This paper presents a mathematical model for a cross-layer design, which optimizes trade-offs among different configurations of the SDRs to achieve maximum performance in terms of energy efficiency, reliable packet delivery at an appropriate data rate and within affordable latency bounds in multi-hop tactical networks. The proposed model is used in a number of mission-critical network scenarios to demonstrate enhanced performance, where SDRs effectively adapt to the dynamic environment.