Simulation based Performance Comparison of AODV, DSR and WRP Routing Protocols in MANET using Random Waypoint Mobility Model

Abstract

Mobile Ad Hoc network (MANET) is an autonomous system of mobile nodes connected by wireless links. Each node operates not only as an end system, but also as a router to forward packets. The nodes are free to move and organize themselves into a network. These nodes change position frequently. A routing protocol is used to find routes between mobile nodes to facilitate the communication within the network. The main goal of such a mobile ad hoc routing protocol is to establish and maintain a correct and efficient route between the pair of nodes so that they can communicate with each other. In this work an attempt has been made to compare the performance of three different routing protocols for MANETs: - AODV (Ad Hoc On-demand Distance Vector), DSR (Dynamic Source Routing), and WRP (Wireless Routing Protocol). As per our findings, the differences in the protocol mechanism lead to significant performance differentials for all of these protocols. The performance differentials are analyzed using two scenario i.e. variable pause time and variable number of nodes. We used random waypoint mobility model and uniform node placement strategy to design the network and performed simulation by using GloMoSim version 2.03 simulator. The performance analysis is based on different network metrics such as packet delivery ratio, throughput and average end-to-end delay. The results presented in this work illustrated the importance in carefully evaluating and implementing routing protocols in Mobile Ad Hoc environment.