Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks
(MANETs)
Introduction
• A Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) is a
decentralized wireless network of mobile
devices.
• Key Characteristics:
• - Self-configuring
• - No fixed infrastructure
• - Dynamic topology
Characteristics of MANETs
• Decentralized: No centralized authority or
control.
• Dynamic Topology: Nodes can join or leave at
any time.
• Self-Healing: Automatically adapts to network
changes.
• Energy-Constrained: Limited battery life of
devices.
• Scalability: Handles a varying number of nodes.
Components of MANETs
• Nodes: Mobile devices that form the network.
• Routing Protocols: Mechanisms for data
transmission (e.g., AODV, DSR).
• Communication Links: Wireless channels for
data exchange.
Advantages of MANETs
• Flexibility: Can be deployed in remote or
infrastructure-less areas.
• Cost-Effective: No need for pre-existing
infrastructure.
• Scalability: Adapts to the number of nodes
dynamically.
• Robustness: Continues to function despite
node failures.
Challenges in MANETs
• Routing Complexity: Dynamic topology requires
adaptive routing.
• Security: Vulnerable to attacks like eavesdropping
and spoofing.
• Limited Bandwidth: Wireless links have constrained
bandwidth.
• Energy Consumption: Nodes rely on battery power.
• Interference: Signal quality may degrade due to
interference.
Applications of MANETs
Applications of MANETs
• Disaster Recovery: Communication in
disaster-hit areas.
• Military Networks: Secure and flexible
communication for troops.
• Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks (VANETs):
Communication between vehicles.
• IoT Applications: Smart homes and connected
devices.
Routing Protocols in MANETs
• Proactive Protocols: Maintain updated routes
(e.g., OLSR, DSDV).
• Reactive Protocols: Find routes on-demand
(e.g., AODV, DSR).
• Hybrid Protocols: Combine proactive and
reactive (e.g., ZRP).
Security in MANETs
• Threats:
• - Blackhole Attacks
• - Wormhole Attacks
• - Denial of Service (DoS)
• Solutions:
• - Secure Routing Protocols
• - Cryptographic Techniques
• - Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
Case Study: VANETs
• Definition: A type of MANET for vehicles.
• Applications:
• - Traffic Management
• - Accident Avoidance
• - Emergency Alerts
• Challenges: High-speed mobility, reliability of
communication.
Future Trends
• - Integration with 5G and Beyond.
• - Enhanced Energy Efficiency.
• - Improved Security Protocols.
• - AI and Machine Learning for Adaptive
Routing.
Difference between MANETs and Sensor Networks
Difference between MANETs and Sensor Networks