Government

Ad hoc networks are emerging as a means to deliver IP-based voice, video, and data to users who may be operating beyond the reach of traditional fixed-network infrastructure. Ad hoc networking offers a compelling advantage for many environments, but also poses significant challenges. Foremost among these challenges is the need to merge IP routing and mobile radio technologies efficiently. RFC 4938 provides an effective, cross-layer mechanism for communicating radio network status to IP routers.

In 2007, Cisco delivered the industry's first Radio Aware Routing implementation for the Cisco 3200 Series Rugged Integrated Services Routers and Cisco 2800 Series and 3800 Series Integrated Services Routers. Cisco IOS Software has been enhanced to take full advantage of the metric and status information offered by RFC 4938-compliant radios. The company also has partnered with major radio vendors to facilitate their radio-side implementations of this industry standard. The Cisco Radio Aware Routing solution allows network-based applications and information to be quickly and reliably transported over directional radio links. Fast convergence and optimal route selection help ensure satisfactory delivery of mission-critical, delay-sensitive traffic.