Packet Loss in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

We investigate packet loss in mobile ad hoc networks via simulation. Ad-hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) and destination-sequenced distance vector (DSDV) are chosen as representatives of the on-demand and proactive routing protocols respectively. The effects of congestion and mobility in various network contexts are explored. The results indicate that DSDV loses 10% to 20% more packets than AODV does for UDP traffic. For TCP traffic, the packet loss for DSDV is a half of that for AODV. Mobility is the dominant cause for AODV, which is responsible for more than 60% of total packet loss. For DSDV, more than 50% of total packet loss is congestionrelated. Sample data shows that the packet loss distribution over time is bursting, which makes the tradition Poisson framework unsuitable for modelling it. Preliminary results exhibit self-similar pattern that leads us to believe that fractal model is promising to describe packet loss in ad hoc networks. This work provides guidelines for the design of routing and flow control algorithms and insights in choosing proper parameters in future simulation and analytic studies.