A Novel Approach Using the Enhanced OLSR Protocol for Node Exit and Entry in a Moving Cluster with a Reserved Cluster Head in an Ad-Hoc VANET Architecture

Resumen

Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) are crucial for enabling intelligent transportation systems, but their high node mobility poses significant challenges to maintaining stable communication. This paper presents a novel methodology for managing the entry and exit of nodes within moving clusters using a Reserved Cluster Head (RCH) mechanism combined with an Enhanced Optimized Link State Routing (E-OLSR) protocol. VANETs are highly dynamic due to the frequent movement of vehicles, leading to frequent topology changes. Traditional routing protocols like OLSR are not optimized for handling frequent node mobility, leading to unstable routing and reduced Quality of Service (QoS). To address these issues, we propose a cluster-based routing framework incorporating a Reserved Cluster Head (RCH) and an enhanced version of OLSR to manage node entry and exit efficiently. The proposed system introduces proactive cluster maintenance by designating backup cluster heads and utilizing predictive mobility models to ensure uninterrupted communication. The RCH acts as a seamless replacement when the primary Cluster Head (CH) leaves the cluster, thereby reducing control overhead, maintaining topology consistency, and improving route reliability. The E-OLSR further enhances the protocol’s adaptability by incorporating mobility-aware metrics into route selection. Simulation results validate that this approach significantly improves packet delivery ratio, reduces latency, and enhances network resilience compared to the traditional OLSR protocol, especially under high mobility conditions typical of urban VANET scenarios.