Network Performance in Ad Hoc Networks

Ad Hoc networks are decentralized, self-organizing wireless networks where performance evaluation is crucial for network optimization and protocol design. Using MATLAB for simulation enables researchers to analyze key metrics such as throughput, latency, packet loss rate, and routing efficiency.

During simulation, it is essential to construct network topology models, configure node mobility (e.g., random walk model or reference point group mobility model), and simulate channel characteristics (like path loss and multipath effects). By adjusting transmission power, node density, or routing protocols (such as AODV or DSR), network performance under different configurations can be compared. In MATLAB implementation, this involves creating node position matrices, defining mobility patterns using trigonometric functions or probabilistic distributions, and modeling signal propagation with path loss exponent calculations.

MATLAB's strength lies in its comprehensive toolboxes (e.g., Communications Toolbox) and flexible scripting capabilities, allowing rapid implementation of protocol logic and data visualization. For example, network reliability can be evaluated by statistically analyzing packet delivery rates through cumulative sum algorithms, while end-to-end latency distributions can be plotted using histogram functions to assess real-time performance. Key functions like movmean for moving averages and fitdist for probability distribution fitting enhance analytical accuracy.

Extended research directions may include integrating energy consumption models to evaluate network lifespan using iterative battery discharge algorithms, or combining machine learning techniques (like Q-learning) to optimize dynamic routing decisions. Such simulations provide critical theoretical foundations for practical deployment scenarios.