Analyzing Routing Protocols for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks in NS2: INTSM, AODV, and DSDV under Node Density Variations

Abstract

Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANETs) represent a dynamic and decentralized communication paradigm, wherein devices can establish network connections on-the-fly, making them particularly suitable for scenarios with infrastructure challenges. However, the performance of MANETs depends significantly on the chosen routing protocol and the density of network nodes. In this research, we present a comprehensive analysis of three prominent routing protocols: the Intermediate Node Traffic Sharing Model (INTSM), Ad-Hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV), and Destination-Sequenced Distance Vector (DSDV) under varying node density conditions.

Our study involves extensive simulations and performance evaluations within the NS2 simulation framework to assess the effectiveness of these routing protocols in scenarios with node density variations. We investigate key performance metrics, including packet delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, network throughput, and routing overhead, across a spectrum of node densities. By conducting a systematic comparison, we aim to provide valuable insights into the behavior of these protocols and their adaptability to dynamic network environments.

The findings of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of how INTSM, AODV, and DSDV routing protocols perform under node density fluctuations within the NS2 simulation environment, offering valuable guidance for selecting the most suitable protocol for specific MANET deployments. Furthermore, our study underscores the importance of considering network dynamics and varying node populations in the design and optimization of mobile ad-hoc communication systems, especially when using simulation tools like NS2 for evaluation and analysis.