Analysis of the Differential Update Method for Control Information Dissemination in Wireless Networks

Abstract

Abstract—Various wireless networks scenarios involve dissemination of large amounts of control information. This limits the channel resources available for transmission of the user data. This problem is especially crucial in dense networks, sensor networks, and high-mobility networks (e.g., networks of vehicles and drones). Several methods for dissemination of control information are known. This study is focused on the promising method called differential update. The idea behind it is that control messages sent by stations should contain only the information modified since the transmission of the previous message. An analytical model of this method has been developed. It allows one to estimate the average amount of transmitted control information and the reliability and promptness of its delivery to neighboring stations. An algorithm for adaptive tuning of parameters of the differential update method has been developed on the basis of this model. Simulation results obtained with NS-3 simulator demonstrate that the proposed algorithm minimizes the amount of sent control information while satisfying the set of requirements on reliability and promptness of its delivery.