Mastering MANET Routing Protocols

Characteristics of MANETs

• Dynamic topology allows frequent changes in the network structure due to mobile nodes.
• Nodes operate without a fixed infrastructure, enabling decentralized communication.
• Limited bandwidth and varying link quality are common due to wireless communication.

Major Concerns in MANETs

• Security issues due to vulnerability to attacks and unauthorized access.
• Scalability challenges as network size increases can impact performance and reliability.
• Energy management is critical due to battery limitations of mobile nodes.
• Routing efficiency must handle frequent topology changes.

Applications of MANETs

• Suitable for emergency and impromptu communication where fixed infrastructure is unavailable.
• Useful in military operations for real-time communications.
• Facilitates smart grid applications and remote sensor networks.

Challenges in MAC Protocol Design

• Collisions and interference need to be minimized in a dynamic environment.
• Efficient spectrum usage is essential to accommodate multiple users with variable data rates.

Requirements for MANET Routing Protocols

• Adaptability to changing network topologies in real-time.
• Low overhead to minimize the communication cost and conserve resources.

Characteristics of MANET Links

• Temporary and unstable connections as nodes frequently move.
• Bidirectional links may not always be reliable due to mobility.

Applications Related to Impromptu Communications

• Emergency response networks utilizing ad-hoc setups for rapid deployment.
• Event-specific networking for conferences or gatherings without prior infrastructure.

Types of MANET Routing Protocols

• Reactive routing protocols, like AODV, find routes on-demand by flooding route requests.

DRS Protocol Behavior

• Node A initiates route discovery by broadcasting a query if no valid route exists.

DSR Protocol Mechanisms

• Utilizes route caching to avoid route reply storms and reduce unnecessary traffic.

Proactive MANET Routing Protocols

• Protocols like Olsr establish routes continuously through control traffic.

OLSR Protocol Functions

• The Neighbor/link sensing module actively monitors links and node adjacency.
• Multi-Point Relaying module facilitates efficient broadcasting to limit retransmissions.

Hybrid Routing Protocols

• Combine both proactive and reactive strategies for flexibility and performance.

Purpose of MANET Working Group

• Focuses on developing standards and protocols to enhance the functionality and interconnectivity of MANETs.

On-demand Routing Protocol Example

• AODV (Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector) serves as a prime example of reactive routing.

DSR Data Packet Composition

• Each data packet contains complete routing information to facilitate source routing.

RREQ Message Broadcasting

• When a source node broadcasts a route request, all nodes receiving it assist in route discovery by replying if they have a route to the destination.

Route Maintenance Triggers

• Route breaks due to node mobility or link loss activate a route maintenance process.

Route Optimization in MANETs

• Aims to improve routing efficiency by finding better paths less prone to disruption.

Large Scale MANET Protocol

• Protocols like AODV-Lite are designed to support large networks with mobile backbones effectively.

Multicast Data Routing Protocol

• Protocols such as PIM (Protocol Independent Multicast) support optimized multicast data routing.

Linked Cluster Architecture Protocol

• CLUSTERHEAD protocol employs a linked cluster architecture for efficient routing.

Reliable On-Demand Routing Protocol

• Cyclone protocol is known for ensuring reliable route establishment dynamically.

Temporal Ordering Routing Protocol

• Protocols using temporal ordering enhance the freshness and validity of routing information.

Multiple and Single Hop Routing Protocols

• Protocols like AODV are suited for routing in multi-hop scenarios, while others may focus on single-hop routing efficiencies.

Zoned Routing Protocols

• ZRP (Zone Routing Protocol) leverages zones and combines proactive and reactive routing strategies for effective communication.

Test your knowledge on MANET routing protocols with this quiz! Learn about reactive protocols, their advantages and disadvantages, and explore examples such as Dyna.