A Comprehensive Analysis of Security Mechanisms and Threat Characterization in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Abstract: Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) represent a critical advancement in wireless communication, enabling dynamic, infrastructure-less networking suitable for various applications, including military, disaster recovery, and remote sensing. However, their decentralized architecture, dynamic topology, and constrained resources expose them to a wide range of security challenges. This research paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of existing security mechanisms designed to protect MANETs, encompassing cryptographic protocols, intrusion detection systems, secure routing techniques, and trust-based frameworks. By systematically analyzing their effectiveness, limitations, and adaptability, the study highlights gaps in current approaches. Additionally, this work identifies and characterizes MANET-specific security threats, including wormhole, black hole, sybil, and denial-of-service attacks. Through this dual-focused investigation, the paper not only maps the current landscape of MANET security solutions but also provides a structured threat taxonomy, offering insights into the evolving threat model. The findings aim to guide the development of more robust, adaptive, and context-aware security frameworks tailored for MANET environments.