The existing protocols which are used for routing in MANET fail to consider FSO characteristics like the frequent physical link disruption (intermittent connectivity) and the requirement of line of sight (LOS). Hence, a hierarchical routing protocol along with spherical data propagation model is proposed. In this method, first clustering is done based on neighbor discovery algorithm and then cluster head is selected with the help of network source connector. This process provides network with reliable cluster head. After that source transmits packet based on the proposed data propagation model which helps to increase the transmission range and provides clear line of sight for smooth routing in FSO. Varying the number of transceivers as 2, 4, 6, and 8 it is seen that the performance characteristics such as throughput, delivery ratio, drop, and delay is enhanced. Proposed protocol has the advantage of providing high throughput and clear line of sight. © 2018, Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.