On reducing packet latencies in ad hoc networks

The ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) is an on-demand routing protocol designed specifically for mobile, ad hoc networks. But the packet latencies with AODV can be very high, >100 ms on average, especially when the network load is low and node mobility is high. To mitigate this effect, we have enhanced AODV with a proactive technique, which lets receiver nodes broadcast periodic `beacons´ throughout the network to keep routing entries in other nodes current. Using simulations we show that beacons reduce the packet latencies by a factor of 2-3. The routing packets transmitted are also reduced as the beacons obviate the need for some route discovery processes