Traffic Pattern Based Performance Analysis of Routing Protocols in Adhoc Networks

Abstract

Ad-hoc networks are characterized by wireless connectivity, continuous topology change, distributed operations and ease of
deployment. Routing in ad-hoc networks is a challenge due to mobility. Several routing protocols for ad-hoc networks have been proposed in the literature. These protocols differ depending on the routing mechanism used, the process of storing routing information, etc. It is therefore very essential to have comparative study of these protocols in order to develop protocols suitable to a given situation and also to overcome the deficiencies of the existing protocols. In this paper we have presented performance comparison of reactive (DSR, AODV) and proactive (DSDV) routing protocols to bring out their relative merits. DSDV being
proactive routing protocol store information of all the nodes, in their routing table. But AODV and DSR both are reactive routing protocols and they initiate their routing activities when required. The motivation behind this comparison was to understand their internal working mechanism and bring out situations where one is preferred over the other.