Performance evaluation of multicast routing protocols in ad-hoc networks

Mobile ad-hoc networks are flexible networks that support upcoming group applications like spontaneous joint activities and emergency operations. It consists of nodes which are mobile and without a wired infrastructure. During mobility of nodes and band-width constraints, the multicast routing protocols faces difficulty in routing. There are different varieties of multicast protocols proposed for ad hoc networks. Here, a simulation of a set of wireless ad hoc multicast protocols is evaluated under various network scenarios. The relative pros, cons, and area of application of each multicast protocol to different situations are compared using parameters like throughput, packet delivery ratio and average end-to-end delay. The Multicast routing protocols like ODMRP (On-Demand Multicast Routing Protocol), MAODV (Multicast Ad-hoc On-Demand Distance Vector), PIM (Protocol Independent Multicast) and MOSPF (Multicast Open Shortest Path First) are considered for the evaluation and the simulation is performed using QUALNET.