Simulation and evaluation of ad hoc networks under different mobility models

Abstract

In the performance evaluation of a protocol for an ad hoc network, the protocol should be tested under realistic conditions including realistic movements of the mobile users (a mobility model). In this paper we revise several mobility models used in the simulations of mobile networks including mobility models that represent mobile nodes whose movements are independent of each other and mobility models that represent mobile nodes whose movements are dependent on each other (group mobility models). We present simulation results in NS-2 that illustrate the importance of choosing a mobility model in the simulation of a mobile network protocol. Specifically, we illustrate how the performance results of an ad hoc network protocol drastically change as a result of changing the mobility model simulated.