Simulation-based performance evaluation of routing protocols for mobile adhoc networks

In this paper we evaluate several routing protocols for mobile, wireless, a d hoc networks via packet-level simulations. The ad hoc networks are multi- hop wireless networks with dynamically changing network connectivity owing to mobility. The protocol suite includes several routing protocols specific ally designed for ad hoc routing, as well as more traditional protocols, su ch as link state and distance vector, used for dynamic networks. Performanc e is evaluated with respect to fraction of packets delivered, end-to-end de lay, and routing load for a given traffic and mobility model. Both small (3 0 nodes) and medium sized (60 nodes) networks are used. It is observed that the new generation of on-demand routing protocols use much lower routing l oad, especially with small number of peer-to-peer conversations. However, t he traditional link state and distance vector protocols provide, in general , better packet delivery and end-to-end delay performance.