Towards Realistic Performance Evaluation of Mobile Ad hoc Network

Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) is a self-configuring network of mobile nodes connected by wireless links to form an arbitrary topology without the use of existing infrastructure. In order to facilitate communication between a pair of nodes, routing protocols are used. The performance of routing protocols is evaluated using simulation tools such as QUALNET, NS-2 and MATLAB etc. Simulation tool provides researchers with a number of significant benefits, including repeatable scenarios, isolation of parameters, and exploration of a variety of metrics. We wish to make these simulations more realistic for ad hoc network. To do the same different shapes such as square, elliptical, circular and rectangular of the simulation region were taken. In addition to different shapes, we used the concept of obstacle. These obstacles restrict node movement as well as obstruct the communication path between nodes. Simulation results show that for same number of nodes deployed having equal areas and with different shapes the throughput will have inverse relationship with perimeter. The result can be very useful while designing a routing protocol.