Analysis of Node Density and Pause Time Effects in MANET Routing Protocols using NS-3

Networks which function without having any centralized fixed infrastructure or central administration are called MANETs (Mobile Ad hoc Networks). These networks are formed by small or large set of mobile nodes and communicate through the wireless links. Such Networks requires best routing protocols to establish error-free and efficient communication links. MANETs has the property of dynamically changing topology due to their mobile nodes, which move from one place to another. Overall performance of MANET routing protocols depends upon various network and protocol parameters. Mobile ad hoc networks have the characteristics of self-forming and self-healing. The routing algorithms of the routing protocols ensure selection of routes and connectivity between the mobile nodes. This paper presents analysis of three well known routing protocols of MANETs, namely; AODV (Ad hoc On Demand Distance Vector), DSDV (Destination Sequenced Distance Vector) and OLSR (Optimized Link State Routing). Analyses of these routing protocols have been carried out using NS-3 (Network Simulator-3) by varying node density and node pause time. Different performance metrics such as throughput, packet delivery ratio, end to end delay, packet loss and normalized routing load have been considered for this analysis. This analysis concludes better performance of the OLSR routing protocol.