Routing using physical layer network coding

Abstract

In this work we focused on routing using physical layer network coding. Contrary to regular network coding, in physical layer network coding modulated analog waveforms are added at the receivers. Although synchronization is needed for this purpose, adding waveforms helps save energy. In the previous literature some geographical routing algorithms are modified with physical layer network coding, using helper nodes. In this work we solve the optimal routing problem using the Bellman-Ford routing algorithm. For this purpose we defined a link cost metric. Numerical comparisons with the algorithms in the literature reveal that especially in the case of high path loss exponent the proposed algorithm significantly decreases the energy expenditure. Moreover, the proposed algorithm is able to work in cases, where the channel gain does not only depend on distance.