A Survey of Selfish Nodes Detection in MANET: Solutions and Opportunities of Research

In Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs), each node is free to move and connect with one another over a wireless connection, without the requirement for a centralized controller or base station. These features make MANET useful and functional in a variety of areas, including tactical situations, sensor networks, rescue operations, and students on campus. However, this type of network also has a range of issues such as security, Quality of Service, dynamic topology, scalability, the absence of central management, and energy consumption. Since MANET nodes have little battery life, the power usage is among the most important design considerations in wireless ad-hoc networks. Each node is responsible for forwarding the packets to its neighboring nodes. Since the MANET does not contain a hierarchy, some nodes may not participate in forwarding the packets and prefer to keep their remaining energy for themselves; these nodes are called selfish nodes. The presence of selfish nodes in the MANET greatly affects the efficiency and activity of the network. The process of detecting and isolating the selfish node does not constitute an easy task. It still requires further investigation and study. Therefore, this survey is intended to determine, study and analyze some new detection mechanisms used in detecting selfish nodes in MANETs. It also classifies them into three categories which are credit-based, reputation-based, and acknowledgment-based techniques. In addition, it highlights some critical issues in MANET according to selfish behavior, and points out the necessary requirements for better improvement as well as fields for future research.