Impact of node density on node connectivity in MANET routing protocols

Abstract

The functioning of routing protocols in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks depends on factors like node mobility, node failure, broken paths, node connectivity and node density. These factors make the network dynamic. Due to the change in node connectivity, availability of link for data transfer data may vary. This paper discusses about Mobile Ad-Hoc environment with varying node density and its effect on node connectivity among MANET routing protocols. The performance of two routing protocols like DSDV from proactive routing protocols, AODV from reactive routing protocols are analyzed and compared. Quantitative metrics like normalized overhead, packet delivery ratio, number of control packets are evaluated using the Network Simulator NS-2. This paper helps in identifying the impact of varying node densities on the node connectivity in Mobile Ad-Hoc networks. The result of performance comparison can also be helpful in the design of new routing protocols based on topological characteristics. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.