A cross-layer optimization of gnutella for mobile ad hoc networks

In recent years, the Internet has witnessed the introduction of many peer-to-peer systems designed to realize large-scale data sharing. These platforms exhibit interesting features like self-configuration, self-healing and complete decentralization, which make them appealing for employment in ad hoc environments as well. However, the impact of ad hoc dynamics on the performance of these protocols, and the different set of constraints which this emerging networking paradigm imposes, haven't been yet carefully evaluated. This paper investigates the performance of Gnutella, one of the most widely used peer-to-peer systems, when put through typical ad hoc conditions like node mobility, frequent network partitioning, etc. We show that a straightforward implementation of the protocol is not satisfactory under the point of view of the produced overhead and the average overlay connectivity. Finally, we propose a cross-layer optimization of Gnutella, which enhances its performance up to the expectations and makes it more suitable to the degree of self-organization and self-healing required in ad hoc environments.