Limitation and challenges of TCP in Mobile ad hoc Networks

Transmission control protocol (TCP) is a transport layer protocol which is basically designed for wired networks. However, it is not performing well in multi-hop wireless networks especially Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET). Dynamic topology, multi-hop architecture, high errors ratio, channel contentions, inability to differentiate congestion and non-congestion losses, slow errors recovery process, security shortcomings and inefficient packet ordering mechanism are such limitations and challenges of TCP in multi-hop wireless networks, which are affecting the efficiency and reduce the chances of overall multi-hop wireless network optimization. There is a need either to propose an entire new transport layer protocol for such multi-hop wireless networks, or cross layer approach can be a good candidate solution. In this article we discuss the challenges and limitation with possible directions for TCP improvements. This article will serve the purpose of a basic guideline for the multi-hop wireless TCP researchers.