Performance comparison of ad-hoc routing protocols AODV and DSR

Ad hoc networks are known by many specifications like multi-hop wireless connectivity, frequently changing network topology and the need for efficient dynamic routing protocols that plays an important role. This paper presents a performance comparison between two reactive routing protocols for mobile ad hoc networks: dynamic source routing (DSR), ad hoc on demand distance vector (AODV).Both protocols were simulated using the tool ns-2 and were compared in terms of packet loss ratio, end to end delay, with mobile nodes varying number of nodes and speed. Simulation revealed that although DSR perfectly scales to small networks with low node speeds, AODV is preferred due to its more efficient use of bandwidth.