Each mobile ad hoc node has an assigned hierarchy position within an
identified tree-based aggregation group. Each ad hoc node is configured
for selectively attaching to one of a plurality of available ad hoc nodes
based on identifying a best match, for the assigned hierarchy position
within the identified aggregation group, from among identifiable
hierarchy positions of identifiable aggregation groups. Each ad hoc node
also is configured for selectively attaching to any available ad hoc node
based on a determined absence of any available ad hoc node advertising
the identified aggregation group of the ad hoc node, or an aggregation
group containing the identified aggregation group. Hence, a root node of
an aggregation group can filter group-specific routing information from
packets destined toward a network clusterhead, resulting in a scalable
routing protocol that is not adversely affected by added nodes.