Comparative performance evaluation of routing protocols for mobile, ad hoc networks

We evaluate several routing protocols for mobile, wireless, ad hoc networks via packet level simulations. The protocol suite includes routing protocols specifically designed for ad hoc routing, as well as more traditional protocols, such as link state and distance vector used for dynamic networks. Performance is evaluated with respect to fraction of packets delivered, end-to-end delay and routing load for a given traffic and mobility model. It is observed that the new generation of on-demand routing protocols use a much lower routing load. However the traditional link state and distance vector protocols provide, in general, better packet delivery and delay performance.