The impacts of network configuration and node mobility on path dynamics in mobile ad hoc networks

The performance of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) is influenced by many factors including node mobility, node density, and wireless transmission range. The dynamics induced by these factors along the paths between MANET nodes affect node connectivity. Research efforts aiming at quantifying such path dynamics are limited (1) considering only the impact of a small number of factors, mostly node mobility; (2) quantifying only some path metrics, mainly the distribution of path lifetime and the expected path lifetime; and (3) relying mainly on simulation rather than analysis. In this paper, we provide closed form equations relating node mobility, node density, and wireless transmission range to path dynamics in MANETs as expressed by the path lifetime, the path churn rate and the path frequency. The closed form equations reveal interesting aspects of MANET performance and can be used in optimizing MANET routing protocols and applications.