Performance Comparison of Two Reactive Routing Protocols for Ad Hoc Network

Authors:

R.K. Rathy (CITM, Faridabad)

Suresh Kumar (CITM, Faridabad)

Keywords: AODV, DSR, Performance, Mobility, Routing.

Abstract:

Ad hoc networks are characterized by wireless connectivity, continuous changing topology, distributed operations and ease of deployment. Routing in Ad hoc networks is a challenge due to mobility and thus is a current area of research. Considering the importance of reactive routing potocols, we have compared the multiple performance metrics of DSR and AODV protocols. Both protocols share similar on-demand behaviour, but their internal mechanisms lead to significant differences in their performance. We have analyzed the performance of the protocols by various network load and mobility by using detailed simulation model. We have considered packet delivery fraction, normalized routing load, average delay, routing overheads, average hop-count and packet-loss as matrices for performance analysis of these protocols. The results reveal that in adverse situations like high mobility and load, AODV outperforms significantly over DSR, whereas in moderate situations DSR has an advantage.