LAUSR

Abstract Mobile Ad hoc Networks are decentralized networks in which participating nodes are mobile, small form-factor, equipped with the wireless interface, and have forwarding capabilities. These self-organized networks extend limited wireless range by the provision of multi-hop arrangements on the fly without any central administrator. In order to facilitate communication in a dynamic multi-hop wireless environment, routing protocols are essential to discover routes between nodes that are arbitrarily located and can move dynamically. Routing protocols are intended to discover the correct and efficient route in a timely manner so that information could be delivered to the desired destination node. Routing protocols are the backbone of the Mobile Ad hoc Networks and are challenging to design. Several works have been proposed on routing, and systematic representation of these proposals is desirable. In this paper, we provide a survey of the wide range of routing proposals in the last twenty years for the mobile ad hoc network. We device many categories and classification criteria untouched in most of the surveys. This survey paper gives a key overview of the protocols, also classifies and arranges the routing protocols for logical illustration. Protocol classification in the paper assists to systematically access a large set of protocols and highlights the research trends in the domain.