The document outlines the Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol, designed for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). OLSR is an optimized version of the classical link state algorithm, tailored to the specific requirements of MANETs. The key concept in OLSR is the use of Multipoint Relays (MPRs), which are nodes responsible for forwarding broadcast messages during the flooding process. This reduces message overhead compared to classical flooding mechanisms, where every node retransmits each message upon receiving it. Key features of OLSR include: 1. **Message Overhead Reduction**: MPRs are selected nodes that forward control messages, minimizing the number of retransmissions. 2. **Partial Link State Information**: Only MPRs need to declare links to their selectors, reducing the amount of control traffic. 3. **Efficient Flooding**: MPRs facilitate efficient flooding of control messages, making OLSR suitable for large and dense networks. 4. **Proactive Routing**: OLSR maintains routes to all destinations, making it suitable for scenarios with changing communication pairs. 5. **Distributed Operation**: OLSR does not require a central entity and can operate independently of other protocols. 6. **Compatibility**: OLSR is designed to be backward compatible with existing IP stacks and can coexist with non-OLSR interfaces. The document also covers the protocol's core and auxiliary functions, packet format and forwarding, information repositories, and specific message formats such as HELLO and MID messages. It provides detailed specifications for each component, including packet headers, message types, and forwarding algorithms. Additionally, it discusses the handling of multiple interfaces, link sensing, topology control, and route calculation.The document outlines the Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol, designed for mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). OLSR is an optimized version of the classical link state algorithm, tailored to the specific requirements of MANETs. The key concept in OLSR is the use of Multipoint Relays (MPRs), which are nodes responsible for forwarding broadcast messages during the flooding process. This reduces message overhead compared to classical flooding mechanisms, where every node retransmits each message upon receiving it. Key features of OLSR include: 1. **Message Overhead Reduction**: MPRs are selected nodes that forward control messages, minimizing the number of retransmissions. 2. **Partial Link State Information**: Only MPRs need to declare links to their selectors, reducing the amount of control traffic. 3. **Efficient Flooding**: MPRs facilitate efficient flooding of control messages, making OLSR suitable for large and dense networks. 4. **Proactive Routing**: OLSR maintains routes to all destinations, making it suitable for scenarios with changing communication pairs. 5. **Distributed Operation**: OLSR does not require a central entity and can operate independently of other protocols. 6. **Compatibility**: OLSR is designed to be backward compatible with existing IP stacks and can coexist with non-OLSR interfaces. The document also covers the protocol's core and auxiliary functions, packet format and forwarding, information repositories, and specific message formats such as HELLO and MID messages. It provides detailed specifications for each component, including packet headers, message types, and forwarding algorithms. Additionally, it discusses the handling of multiple interfaces, link sensing, topology control, and route calculation.