Routing in Mobile Ad-hoc and Peer-to-Peer Networks A Comparison

The goal of this paper is to make the similarities and differences of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) and Mobile Ad Hoc (MANET) networks clear. Thus we want to show the synergetic potential hidden in these two decentralized and self organizing networks. Peer-to-Peer and mobile ad hoc networks are established on a different basis. Peer-to-Peer is based on an IP network and Mobile Ad Hoc networks are based on a mobile radio network. However both networks hold similarities concerning their routing and network management principles. The reason therefore is, that both of them have to solve a similar goal, namely to provide networking functionalities in a completely unmanaged and decentralized environment. One of the most interesting tasks in these networks is thus how queries are guided through the network. Therefore we concentrate in this work on the different routing algorithms employed in Peer-toPeer and mobile ad hoc networks, and thus conclude the similarities and differences of both networks. Finally, the similarities of both networks can be used, to bring up the synergetic effects of looking at both networks at the same time, which is done at the end of this paper.