EVALUATING THE PERFORMANCE OF MULTIPATH ROUTING PROTOCOLS IN MOBILE AD-HOC NETWORKS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

A Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) is a dynamic wireless network that links mobile devices without fixed infrastructure. All device in MANET acts as a node and a router, dynamically establishing and maintaining network connections as they move. Mobile Ad Hoc Networks find widespread application in scenarios where conventional network infrastructure is absent or unfeasible, including military deployments, emergency response efforts, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems. Routing in MANETs can be ambitious due to dynamic topologies, limited bandwidth, and power restraints. The protocols governing these networks fall into three basic categories, proactive, reactive, and hybrid routing protocols. Multipath routing in MANET involves establishing several paths between source and destination. This technique enhances network performance by providing numerous benefits. This research examines multipath routing protocols like MP-OLSR, SMR, AOMDV, ZRP, TORA and analyses key metrics including route discovery efficiency, route maintenance, end-to-end delay, packet delivery ratio, and energy usage.