Comparative Analysis of the AODV Protocol in ADHOC Networks

In this article, we conduct an in-depth exploration of ADHOC networks, examining their distinctive features and operational characteristics that differentiate them from traditional network architectures. We provide a detailed technical analysis of the Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol, including its route discovery mechanism utilizing expanding ring search and route maintenance through hello messages. The article features a comprehensive comparison with contemporary protocols such as DSR and DSDV, highlighting AODV's destination sequence numbers for loop prevention and its efficient handling of dynamic topology changes. Our performance evaluation includes source code examination of key functions like route request (RREQ) propagation and route reply (RREP) processing, along with simulation-based metrics analysis covering packet delivery ratio, end-to-end delay, and routing overhead under varying node mobility conditions. Through this technical deep-dive, readers will gain substantial insights into ADHOC network operations, AODV protocol implementation nuances, and current advancements in mobile ad-hoc networking research.