Embedding a cluster-based overlay mesh in mobile ad hoc networks without cluster heads

One strategy to tackle the complexity and scalability issue in large-scale mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) is to use extra layers of abstraction. A common tactic is to group the nodes in the network into clusters. The clusters and the paths between them constitute an extra layer of overlay abstraction. To maintain the overlay structure, a head node is often elected in each cluster. The head nodes form a backbone to provide, among other things, passages from one cluster to another. Nonetheless, the use of dedicated head nodes also creates problems such as load and power imbalance. In this paper, we investigate the feasibility of building a cluster-based overlay mesh on MANETs without using cluster heads. Without head nodes, the challenge is in maintaining the overlay structure and performing inter-cluster routing. We will examine one possible scheme through simulation.