Important Characteristics Of A MANETs

Dynamic Topology

Devices in a MANET move around, causing the network structure to change constantly. Nodes can join, leave, or move within the network, leading to frequent changes in connectivity.

Limited Resources

Nodes in MANETs typically have limited battery power, processing capabilities, and memory. Energy-efficient protocols and algorithms are crucial to extend network lifetime.

Security Challenges

Due to the lack of a centralized infrastructure, MANETs are vulnerable to various security challenges, such as eavesdropping, data tampering, and denial-of-service attacks.

Scalability

MANETs can range from small networks with a few nodes to large networks with hundreds or thousands of nodes. Scalability is essential to ensure network efficiency and performance as the network size changes.

Heterogeneity

MANETs can consist of devices with varying capabilities, such as laptops, smartphones, and sensor nodes. Managing the heterogeneity of devices and ensuring compatibility is a challenge.

Lack of Infrastructure

MANETs operate without any fixed infrastructure or centralized control. Nodes communicate directly with each other, forming a temporary network.

Routing Protocols

Designing efficient routing protocols for MANETs is complex due to the dynamic topology. MANETs require dynamic routing protocols to adapt to their dynamic topology, which can lead to more complex and less efficient routing mechanisms.

Self-Configuration

MANET nodes can self-configure their communication parameters and adapt to the presence of new nodes or changing network conditions.

Decentralized Control

There is no central control or administrator in MANETs. Nodes cooperate to perform tasks such as routing, without relying on a central authority.

Multi-Hop Communication

Communication between nodes often occurs over multiple hops, where data is relayed through intermediate nodes to reach the destination. Multi-hop communication is necessary to cover larger areas.

Adaptive Nature

MANETs adapt to changes in network topology, node availability, and environmental conditions. This adaptability is essential to maintain connectivity in dynamic scenarios.

Less Human Intervention

They require minimal human involvement to configure the network, hence they are dynamically autonomous.

Node Mobility

Node mobility is a defining characteristic of MANETs. Nodes can be stationary or mobile, and this mobility can vary from slow to high-speed movements.