Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad B.Tech IV AD-HOC AND SENSOR NETWORKS Previous Question Paper (July/August - 2022 - R18)

A Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) is a self-configuring, infrastructureless network of mobile devices connected by wireless links. Unlike traditional infrastructure-based networks, such as cellular networks or Wi-Fi with access points, MANETs do not rely on centralized administration or fixed base stations. In a MANET, every node acts as both a host and a router, dynamically discovering routes to other nodes. While traditional networks depend on a pre-existing backbone, MANETs are formed on-the-fly and are highly adaptive to the rapid movement of nodes and changing network topology.

The key characteristics of a MANET include:

• Dynamic Network Topology: Nodes move independently in any direction, causing frequent changes in the network topology and link connectivity.
• Infrastructureless/Decentralized: There is no central controller or fixed infrastructure; network management and routing are performed in a distributed manner by the nodes themselves.
• Multi-hop Routing: Communication between nodes that are not within direct radio range occurs through intermediate nodes acting as routers.
• Resource Constraints: Nodes typically operate on limited battery power, have restricted processing capabilities, and limited memory, necessitating energy-efficient protocols.
• Autonomous Behavior: Each node functions as an independent router, capable of joining or leaving the network without disrupting the overall system operation.
• Wireless Medium: Communication occurs over shared wireless channels, which are susceptible to interference, signal fading, and security vulnerabilities.