[B.A.T.M.A.N.] Layer 2.5

Hello,

I read some posts on the web about B.A.T.M.A.N being (or becoming) a layer 2.5 protocol, which would make it operate below IP. But, at the website and some papers I read this is not mentioned, and the impression is that it is a regular layer 3 protocol. Can anyone please clarify, and if possible, point to some reference that may confirm that batman is or is not operating at layer 2.5?

I'm writing a paper on mesh protocols and I need to know which layer batman really operates in order to cite it correctly.

best regards,