Balancing Act: A Comparative Study of Routing Protocol Trade-Offs in MANETs

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are decentralized networks of mobile devices connected by wireless links, enabling various applications across domains. Research on MANETs often relies on simulations for efficient and replicable evaluations due to the absence of central administration and complex real-world scenarios. Effective simulation necessitates the integration of mobility models to orchestrate node movement. In this study, we explore existing mobility models, propose evaluation metrics, and conduct simulations to characterize, compare, and rank these models. Additionally, we analyze ad hoc routing protocols, focusing on packet delivery ratio, average packet arrival time, and total control packets. Notable protocols such as AODV, DSR, DSDV, and TORA are scrutinized, considering factors like node count and mobility, to provide comprehensive insights into their performance and efficacy.

• mobile ad hoc networks
• routing protocols
• mobility models
• network simulation
• AODV
• DSR
• DSDV
• TORA
• packet delivery ratio
• control overhead
• routing protocol comparison

• Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
• Opportunistic and Delay-Tolerant Networks
• Simulation and Modeling Applications
• mobile ad hoc networks
• routing protocols
• mobility models
• network simulation
• AODV
• DSR
• DSDV
• TORA
• Computer Networks and Communications
• Control and Systems Engineering
• Computer Science
• Engineering